OSHA's Fatal Four

Understanding The Dangers Of OSHA's Fatal Four


Stand Down To Consider The Importance Of Safety

5,333 workers died on the job in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. On average, more than 100 workers are killed on the job each week, or about 15 deaths every day. Of that, about 20% (1,061) of worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2019 were in construction – accounting for one in five worker deaths for the year. Virtually all of those deaths are tied to OSHA’s Fatal Four. For more information about the Fatal Four, visit the OSHA Training Institute website: https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/construction/focus-four

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1. Falls - Fall Protection • OSHA 1926.760

Falls contribute to more fatalities in construction than all the other Fatal Four hazards combined. Remember that falls can occur in many ways in the construction industry–from a roof or a ladder and also through floor openings to a lower level and even off scaffolds and stairs. As a first step to reduce fall-related fatalities, refer to OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, Fall Protection.
  • Fall Hazard Signage
  • Hard Hat Labels
  • Scaffold Tag Holder Inserts
  • Scaffold Tags Holders
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2. Caught-In Or-Between

The key factor in making a determination between a Caught event versus a Struck event is whether the impact of the object alone caused the injury. When the injury is created more as a result of crushing injuries between objects, the event should be recorded as Caught.
  • Safety Sign
  • Machine Labels
  • Pedestrian Control
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3. Struck-By

Struck-by injuries are produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.
In construction, struck-by hazards can resemble caught-in or caught between hazards. When the impact alone creates the injury, the event is considered as Struck.
  • Safety Signs
  • Hard Hat Labels
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4. Electrocution

Electrocution results when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that electrocution was the fourth leading cause of death in construction in 2005, after falls to a lower level, transportation injuries, and being struck by objects and equipment.

6 Types Of Electrical Hazards
  1. Burns
  2. Electrocution
  3. Shock
  4. Arc Flash/Arc Blast
  5. Fire
  6. Explosion
  • Lockout Devices
  • Safety Tags
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Holistic Job Site Safety - Be Present - Be Focused - Be Safe

While every job site will have risks and hazards, it’s important to remain vigilant and self aware of the risks we can’t see and of risks to fellow workers. We must prioritize making every aspect of our well-being part of safety culture and programs, including illness prevention and mental alertness
  • Admittance Wrist Bands
  • Banners
  • Site-Specific Safety Signs
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