The Fatal Four in Construction Accidents
Construction accidents often lead to serious injuries, leaving many victims unable to return to work and uncertain about their financial future.
Although there are many types of accidents that can happen on construction sites, there are four in particular that are particularly dangerous. These are commonly called the fatal four.
At Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C., our attorneys handle cases involving the fatal four in construction accidents. If your family has lost a loved one in a construction site accident, our attorneys can help. Please schedule a consultation at our Brooklyn, NY practice to learn more about your legal options.
The Fatal Four Accidents
The fatal four refers to four types of accidents that are deadly and common to construction sites. These four types of accidents are defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as:
- Falls
- Caught-in or between objects
- Electrocution
- Being struck by an object
Fatal Four Statistics
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. According to data collected by OSHA, of all workplace deaths in the United States in 2016, 20 percent were in the construction field. Furthermore, more than half of these deaths were caused by one of the fatal four accidents.
Of the fatal four, falls are often the deadliest. OSHA found that falls accounted for 38.7 percent of deaths.
Being struck by an object resulted in 9.4 percent of deaths.
Electrocutions resulted in 8.3 percent of deaths, and being caught between two objects caused 7.3 percent of fatalities for that year.
About Falls
Falls are the most common of the fatal four construction accidents. Falls can result in injury in a number of ways. Construction workers often climb ladders, and they work on scaffolding, rooftops, and other elevated structures.
A fall on a construction site may happen for a number of reasons. Employers may not provide proper safety equipment, like harnesses or personal fall arrest systems, for employees working from heights.
About Being Struck by an Object
Large objects, like beams and scaffolding, are present on construction sites. If a worker loses control of a moving object, it can hit someone nearby, seriously injuring the victim.
When large cranes or other machinery are used to move objects, it is important that workers have proper training. If not, the employer may be held accountable for failing to properly train employees.
About Electrocution
Electrocutions are dangerous because it only takes a small amount of current to cause serious damage. A small shock may be fatal if it reaches the heart where it can interfere with the heart's rhythm and cause a condition called fibrillation.
As with any accident on a construction site, electrocutions may occur due to the negligence of others, including coworkers, employers, subcontractors, or anyone on or near the site.
In some cases, employers do not provide proper protection, working conditions, or training for work with electrical devices.
About Getting Caught Between Two Objects
Construction workers may get caught between two objects, like a wall and machinery, falling structures, or equipment.
Caught between accidents may be caused by a worker’s error, lack of proper signage, faulty builds, or the negligence of others. Whatever the cause, getting caught between objects can lead to serious injuries.
Contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C.
If you have lost a loved one in a construction accident or have been injured yourself, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Call (718) 624-1211 to schedule a consultation and learn more.
