In many industries, such as construction, the top reason for fatal accidents is that workers suffer catastrophic injuries in a fall. A painter falls from a ladder, a roofer falls from the roof or a worker simply slips on the stairs or on a slick surface and strikes their head. In a split second, a fall can lead to a deadly accident.
But what are the top hazards to look for beyond falls? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has defined the “Fatal Four.” These start with falls, but the three categories below are the next top reasons for deadly workplace accidents.
Struck-by incidents
First of all, a worker could be struck by something, such as a piece of heavy equipment like an excavator. They could also be struck by a vehicle, such as a dump truck or a pickup truck on the job site. In some cases, materials or even tools fall from above and strike a worker on the ground.
Caught between incidents
When workers get caught between two surfaces, they can sometimes suffer catastrophic injuries. An example could be a worker who gets entangled in machinery, for instance, or a worker who is buried in a trench collapse.
Electrocution incidents
Finally, workers are often around electrical lines and hazardous equipment. Electrocutions sometimes take place, especially if there’s miscommunication between workers. A worker may believe that an electrical line is located in a different place or that it has been shut down, for example, and inadvertently exposes themselves to danger.
Have you lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident? Be sure you know what legal steps to take.