The Fatal Four of Construction Site Accident

Construction site accidents are often referred to as "The Fatal Four." These are the four most common types of accidents that occur on construction sites and typically result in serious injuries or death.

The Fatal Four include falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and getting caught between two objects. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents because of the nature of their work. They often work at heights or around heavy machinery, which increases the risk of a fall or being struck by an object.

This blog provides readers with information regarding the fatal four construction site accidents. Read on to learn how to be precocious and understand the basics of the fatal four.

Falling Accidents

Falling is one of the most common causes of construction site accidents, accounting for approximately 35% of all fatalities. Several factors can contribute to a falling accident, including:

construction site in between houses with heavy equipment — photo by mali maeder

Unmarked excavation sites and trenches

These accidents often occur when construction workers are unaware of the potential danger posed by an uncovered hole. As a result, they can accidentally step into the excavation site and become seriously injured. Some construction workers have even died after falling into an unmarked trench.

Unguarded elevator shafts

This can happen if construction workers are unaware of the danger and accidentally step into the shaft. Elevator shafts can be deep, and the fall can result in serious injuries or even death.

Inclement weather when performing roof work

Cases of inclement weather. High winds can make it challenging to keep your balance, and slippery surfaces can make it easy to lose your footing. In addition, construction workers are often required to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.

Debris causing slip or trip and fall injuries

These accidents can often be caused by debris left lying around. For example, construction workers may trip over loose bricks or boards or slip on wet cement.

feet climbing on a ladder wearing steeltoe — photo by Anaya Katlego

Defective ladders

Ladders are essential for construction workers to reach high areas, and if they are not properly functional, it can lead to severe accidents. Defective ladders can cause construction workers to slip and fall, often leading to severe injuries or even death.

Unmarked or unprotected floor holes, wall openings, or ledges

Unmarked or unprotected floor holes, wall openings, or ledges are one of the leading causes of construction site accidents. Every year, workers fall through these openings and suffer serious injuries. In some cases, the fall can even be fatal.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all construction sites be appropriately marked and guarded to prevent these accidents. However, many construction companies do not follow these regulations. As a result, workers are left exposed to potential hazards.

Improperly constructed or guarded scaffolding

Falling construction accidents are all too common and often occur because of improperly constructed or guarded scaffolding.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, scaffolding is responsible for nearly 4,000 construction site accidents yearly. Of those accidents, about two-thirds involve falls. And of those fall accidents, about one-third are fatal. So it's clear that scaffolding can be a hazardous part of construction work.

Struck-By Accidents

One of the most common construction site accidents is a struck-by accident, which can occur when a worker is hit by a falling object or equipment being operated in the area. Several factors can contribute to a falling accident, including:

yellow and black front loader vehicle in a construction site — photo by Mufid Majnun

Accidents with heavy equipment or vehicles

This is when someone is hit by heavy equipment or a vehicle. These accidents can be devastating, primarily if the victim is crushed or pinned underneath. Construction workers operating heavy machinery or driving vehicles need to be extra careful to avoid these accidents.

Broken high-pressure hoses and lines

When these hoses and lines are not properly maintained, they can become frayed or even rupture, posing a severe danger to construction workers. In addition to causing cuts and bruises, construction workers struck by these high-pressure hoses and lines can also suffer severe internal injuries.

Some construction workers struck by these hoses and lines have even been killed.

Falling suspended loads

When loads are left unsecured or improperly secured, they can fall and strike workers below. This can happen even if the load moves slowly, as the weight can cause serious injuries or even death.

Flying nuts and bolts

Flying nuts and bolts are one of the most common construction site accidents. They occur when workers use power tools to work on construction projects. The nuts and bolts can become dislodged and fly through the air, hitting workers in the head or body. In some cases, they can even cause serious injuries or death.

two men standing on a scaffolding beside a building — photo by Jon Tyson

Falling scaffolding, pipes, or lumber

Often these accidents occur when workers are unaware of their surroundings and are not paying attention to what is happening around them. Other times, construction site accidents happen because the workers are not appropriately trained to work with the materials they are using safely.

Dropped tools

One of the most common types of struck-by accidents is when a worker is hit by a falling object, such as a tool that has been dropped from a height. These accidents can often be prevented by following some simple safety guidelines. For example, workers should always wear hard hats when working in areas with the potential for falling objects. In addition, construction site managers should ensure that tools are properly secured and that there is adequate signage to warn workers of potential hazards.

Caught-In and Caught-Between Accidents

Caught-in or caught-between accidents are perhaps the most dangerous, as they often involve heavy machinery or falling debris. In a caught-in accident, the victim is pulled into machinery or trapped between two objects, such as two pieces of construction equipment.

A caught-between accident occurs when the victim is crushed between two objects, such as a construction vehicle and a wall. These accidents can often be fatal, as the victim may suffer severe crush injuries or suffocation. Several factors can contribute to a falling accident, including:

Workers are not sufficiently trained on how to safely use equipment and machinery

Various factors can cause construction site accidents, but one of the most common is the lack of proper training for workers on how to use equipment and machinery safely. In many cases, workers are not given adequate instruction on how to operate machinery or properly handle materials. As a result, they can quickly become injured if they are not careful.

bird’s eye view of a man walking near a backhoe — photo by Nicholas Lim

Machinery is not maintained or repaired

These accidents occur when workers are crushed or pinned by heavy machinery or objects. In many cases, these accidents could have been prevented if the machinery had been appropriately maintained and repaired. Unfortunately, construction site managers often cut corners regarding maintenance, leading to dangerous conditions that can put workers at risk.

When construction workers are injured in caught-in and caught-between accidents, they may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Scaffolds are not constructed or braced properly

In construction, workers sometimes use scaffolds to reach high places. If the scaffold is not correctly constructed or braced, it can collapse and injure the workers. In addition, if the scaffold is not correctly secured, it can become unbalanced and tip over, injuring the workers on it. Workers can also be damaged if caught between the scaffold and another object, such as a wall or a piece of equipment.

construction workers standing on top of an under-constructed building — photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel

Walls are not braced properly

One of the most construction site accidents is when walls are not appropriately braced, and somebody gets stuck between them or tries to climb over them. These construction site accidents usually occur when workers are doing their job, and construction workers are not paying attention to what they're doing.

Trenches and excavation sites are not properly supported

These accidents occur when a worker is trapped between two objects, such as a trench collapse or an equipment malfunction. These accidents are often preventable if the construction site is properly supported. Unfortunately, all too frequently, construction firms skimp on support for trenches and excavation sites and use inferior materials. As a result, If workers are trapped in a collapse, they may suffer severe injuries or perhaps pass away.

Heavy machinery is not secured or used improperly

Accidents like this can happen when heavy equipment is misused or incorrectly secured. In many cases, construction workers caught in or between pieces of machinery suffer serious injuries, including crushing injuries and amputations. In some cases, these accidents can even be fatal. Unfortunately, construction workers are all too often the victims of such accidents.

Machinery is not locked down or is insufficiently guarded while not in use or during repairs

This may occur when machinery is not locked down or is insufficiently guarded while not in use or during repairs. Often, these accidents result in serious injuries, including amputations and crushed limbs. In some cases, they can even be fatal.

Construction workers caught in or between machinery can be pulled into the machinery, resulting in severe injuries or death. Construction workers caught in or between machinery risk being crushed if it suddenly starts up.

Electrocution Accidents

Construction workers are at high risk for electrocution accidents. This type of accident is one of the so-called "fatal four" construction site accidents, along with falls, being struck by an object, and being pinned by heavy equipment.

Electrocution accidents can occur when workers come into contact with overhead power lines, exposed electrical wiring, or live electrical currents. These accidents can be deadly, as electrical currents can cause cardiac arrest and stop a worker's heart. Even when an electrocution accident isn't fatal, it can still cause severe injuries, such as burns and neurological damage. Several factors can contribute to electrocution accidents, including:

Underground power lines struck with metal equipment or tools while digging

man standing on bucket beside gray transmission tower — photo by American Public Power Association

One of the most common ways this occurs is when workers operate metal equipment or tools and accidentally strike an underground power line. The result can be an incredibly powerful shock that can cause serious injuries or even death.

Poorly insulated overhead power lines

Overhead power lines are a typical construction site hazard and can pose a severe electrocution risk if not properly insulated. In many cases, the insulation on these lines is damaged or degraded, making them more likely to fail. When this happens, construction workers can be seriously injured or even killed if they come into contact with the exposed wires. In addition, poorly insulated power lines can also cause fires if they come into contact with flammable materials.

Unapproved or overloaded extension cord wires

These cords are not meant to be used in construction sites, as they are not built to withstand the rigors of the construction environment. However, many workers use them anyway, as they are often cheaper and easier to find than approved cords. This may lead to dangerous situations, as the cables can quickly become overloaded or damaged. If a worker comes into contact with the exposed wires, they can be electrocuted.

an electrician repairing a fuse box — photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu

Failure to have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

In many cases, electrocution can be prevented using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This device is designed to detect electrical current imbalances and shut off the power before an accident occurs. However, construction workers often fail to use GFCIs, leading to tragic consequences.

Wet conditions

Construction workers are susceptible to a variety of accidents, including electrocution. Wet conditions can exacerbate the risk of electrocution by increasing the conductivity of materials. For example, suppose a construction worker operates a power saw in the rain. In that case, the water on the ground can act as a conductor, causing an electrical current to flow through the worker's body. In addition, wet conditions can also increase the risk of shock by reducing the insulation of electrical wires and equipment.

Electrical circuits without proper breakers or fuses

One of the most common causes of these accidents is electrical circuits that are not properly protected with breakers or fuses. When an electrical circuit is overloaded, the resulting spike in voltage can cause a worker to be electrocuted. Sometimes, the victim may also suffer burns or other injuries.

Electrical wiring not in proper polarity (neutral to neutral, hot to hot)

a broken part of an electrical circuit — photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu

One of the major causes of these electrocutions is electrical wiring that is not in proper polarity (neutral to neutral, hot to hot). When electrical wiring is not in appropriate polarity, it can create an electrical current that can shock or even kill a construction worker who comes into contact with it.

Electrical equipment that is not properly grounded

This can happen when workers come into contact with electrical equipment that is not properly grounded. The electrical current can sometimes be strong enough to cause severe burns or even death. Because of the dangers posed by electricity, construction workers must train to work safely with electrical equipment.

Electric tools operated with plug or cord not properly grounded or insulated

Often, construction workers use tools that are not properly grounded, and they get shocked. This can be hazardous, leading to severe injuries or even death.

How to Avoid the Fatal Four?

Construction sites are notoriously dangerous places. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that almost one in five worker deaths in 2018 were in the construction industry. The good news is that most construction accidents are preventable. Here are the things you need to do to avoid the fatal four:

danger hard hat area signage — photo by Kevin Jarrett

Always wear a hard hat

One of the essential safety rules on a construction site is always to wear a hard hat. Hard hats help to protect workers from being struck by falling objects, which is one of the most common accidents on construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the "fatal four" accidents on construction sites, and falling objects is one of them. Wearing a hard hat can help to avoid these accidents.

Attend all safety training and meetings

One of the best ways to avoid the fatal four is to attend all safety training and meetings. By keeping up to date on safety procedures and regulations, workers can dramatically reduce their risk of being involved in a construction accident.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed

One of the most important is personal protective equipment (PPE). By wearing the proper PPE for the job, workers can help avoid the so-called "fatal four" accidents. For example, falls from heights are a leading cause of death in construction accidents. But by wearing a properly fitting harness and using fall-protection equipment, workers can help prevent these tragic accidents.

Inspect equipment at the beginning and end of each shift

At the beginning of each shift, the construction site safety manager walks around the job site. He looks for potential hazards that could lead to an accident and ensures that all the equipment is in good working order. For example, he'll check to see if the scaffolding is secure and if the power tools are properly grounded.

a smiling construction worker holding hard hats with his hands — photo by Kindel Media

Wear high-visibility clothing and make sure you are visible to machine operators

Wearing high-visibility clothing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid these accidents. High-vis clothing makes it much easier for machine operators and other workers to see you, and this can make all the difference in a busy and chaotic construction site.

Remain aware of your surroundings while staying focused on the task at hand

This means alerting potential hazards, such as loose scaffolding or exposed electrical wires. It also means not getting distracted while you're working. If you're focused on the task, you're less likely to make a mistake that could lead to an accident. By remaining aware of your surroundings and staying focused on the task assigned, you can help avoid the fatal four accidents and make construction sites safer for everyone.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer
Can Help?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you will face a long road to recovery. You may also struggle to pay your medical bills and support your family. A construction accident lawyer can help. Construction accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to get you the compensation you deserve. They will work with you to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. If you have been injured in a construction accident, don't go it alone.

The Fatal Four: Construction Site Accident Explained