Outline of Constructions "Fatal Four" and examples of prevention methods.

1. “The Fatal Four”
By: Student Name
Class
Date

2. The Fatal Four
• The leading causes of private sector worker deaths (excluding highway
collisions) in the construction industry were falls, followed by
electrocution, struck by object, and caught-in/between. These "Fatal
Four" were responsible for more than half (57.6%) the construction
worker deaths in 2014, BLS reports. Eliminating the Fatal Four would
save 518 workers' lives in America every year.
• Falls — 359 out of 899 total deaths in construction in CY 2014 (39.9%)
• Electrocutions - 74 (8.2%)
• Struck by Object - 73 (8.1%)
• Caught-in/between - 12 (1.3%)
https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

3. Falls
• FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION. In
2013, there were 291 fatal falls to a lower level out of 828 total
fatalities in construction. These deaths are preventable.
• https://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/index.html

4. Fall Prevention
• Falls can be prevented through planning appropriately, providing
the proper equipment, and proper training.
• For example, when completing a task at an elevated height,
ensure that all necessary tools are available and easily within
reach.

5. Electrocutions
• Electrocution is the third leading cause of death among
construction workers.
• https://www.osha.gov/dts/vtools/construction/ladder_powerline_fnl_eng_web_transcript.html

6. Electrocution Prevention
• Ensure that ladders used during construction or electrical work are
well away from power lines and sources of electrical energy.

7. Struck By Object
• Struck by object hazards represent a large array of accidents and
fatalities.
• Examples include: suffocation, loss of limb and fatality by heavy
equipment.

8. Struck By Object Avoidance
• Use caution around dump trucks. Stand far enough away to avoid
being crushed if the vehicle overturns or the load dumps all at
once. Never stand under a raised dump box even if it has been
securely blocked.
• https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/youth/agriculture/struck.html

9. Caught-in/between
• Death or serious injury can occur when a worker is trapped in or
between machinery, equipment or an area of construction.

10. Caught-in/between Prevention
• Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper
without an adequate protective system in place; some trenches
under 5 feet deep may also need such a system.
• Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping,
shoring, benching or trench shield systems.
• https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3216-6N-06-english-06-27-2007.html