Construction’s Top ‘Fatal 4’ Workplace Injuries

Construction is a hazardous job filled with perils that could cause illness, injuries, and even death. According to OSHA, 20 percent of all workplace fatalities in 2013 occurred in construction. This equals 828 deaths. While there are many sources of construction site injuries, construction’s Fatal Four accounts for over 57 percent of construction workers’ deaths in 2013. Construction’s Fatal Four OSHA identifies the four leading causes of worker death on construction sites as: Falls — Falls caused 302 deaths in 2013. Construction workers are often required to work from high scaffolding, ladders, windows, or roofs. OSHA regulation 1926.501 requires employers to have fall protection systems such as guardrail systems, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Being struck by objects — Falling objects caused over 80 deaths when they struck unsuspecting workers below. OSHA regulation 1926.501(c) specifically addresses …