Following Safety Standards Could Eliminate Construction’s Fatal Four

All industries have regulations and labor laws that employers have to follow. The construction industry is no different. In fact, health and safety issues can sometimes be a point of dispute between contractors or employees and employers. Health and safety should be a priority on a construction site. 

Construction can be one of the most dangerous occupations for contractors. When working with heavy equipment and tall structures, there is potential for serious accidents to occur. This is why Federal OSHA investigates and inspects for health and safety. Here is what OSHA says about construction dangers and fatalities. 

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous because in 2018, about 20 percent of all worker fatalities were in the construction industry. This is one in every five deaths. Of all of the construction deaths, there are four leading causes. These four causes are the fatal four. 

If construction sites could eliminate these four causes, then it may be able to save nearly 600 lives in a year. When contracting companies follow the regulations and when safety comes first, it can save lives. The four main causes include: 

• Falls 
• Struck by object 
• Electrocutions 
• Caught in between 

Caught in between deaths include any workers who die when compressed, stuck between, struck or crushed by material, equipment or any other structures. Of these four, the most common deaths occur due to falls. With the proper fall protection, fewer construction workers would suffer as a result. Likewise, hazard communication could help prevent injuries and fatalities. For more information on employment disputes, visit this page. 

• Category: Construction Law