What You Need to Know About the "Fatal Four" Workplace Dangers

 Posted on October 31, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Every year, thousands of workers are killed on the job in the United States. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable if the right safety precautions are taken. Today, we will discuss the "Fatal Four" workplace dangers that account for the largest percentage of worker fatalities each year. If you want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, it is important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect yourself from them.

The Fatal Four

The construction industry is among the most dangerous industries for workers, accounting for about 1,000 workplace fatalities per year in this country. On average, about 60% of these fatalities are attributed to just four specific dangers that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has labeled as the "Fatal Four." The Fatal Four include the following:

Fatal Four Danger #1: Falls From Heights

The first of the Fatal Four is falls. Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities, accounting for over 350 deaths each year. If you work in a job that involves any kind of height, it is important to wear the proper safety equipment and to follow all safety procedures. Even if you simply use a ladder occasionally in the course of your job, you should be aware of the potential for falls at your workplace and take the appropriate precautions.

Fatal Four Danger #2: Struck by Objects

The second danger on the list is being struck by an object. This can happen either because an object falls from a height and strikes someone below, or because someone is hit by a moving vehicle such as a forklift. In either case, being struck by an object can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you work in an environment where there is a potential for objects to fall or be struck by moving vehicles, it is important to wear the proper safety gear and to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Fatal Four Danger #3: Electrocutions

The third danger on the list is electrocution. Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, accounting for over 200 deaths each year. If you work with electricity, it is important to follow all safety procedures and to wear the proper safety equipment. Even if you do not work directly with electricity, though, you should be aware of the potential for electrical hazards at your workplace and take precautions accordingly.

Fatal Four Danger #4: Caught Between Objects

The fourth and final danger on the list is being caught in between objects. This can happen when two objects collide, such as in a machine accident, or when someone is caught in between a moving and a stationary object. Being caught in between objects can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you work in an environment where there is a potential for objects to collide, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions accordingly.

Contact a Gilroy, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

In addition to hundreds of deaths, the Fatal Four also cause thousands of non-fatal injuries to workers annually. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a workplace accident, contact a Santa Clara County workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your options for taking action. Call Cramer + Martinez at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://hsi.com/blog/how-to-avoid-oshas-fatal-four-construction-hazards

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/construction_hazards_qc.pdf