What are the “fatal four” construction accidents?

Minnesota construction workers are at risk for severe injuries and even death. One out of every five deaths that occurred on the job in 2019 happened in the construction industry. Most deaths occur due to one of the “fatal four” causes cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

What are the “fatal four?”

OSHA’s fatal four accident types are falls, electrocutions, being hit by objects, and being caught inside or between objects. Each year, over half of construction industry deaths fall into one of these categories. OSHA does not count transportation incidents as they technically fall into traffic mishaps. When an accident falls into one of the fatal four categories but doesn’t result in death, these injuries are frequently severe and can lead to workers’ compensation claims.

Some construction industries and jobs have a higher injury rate than others. The most dangerous construction jobs, as evidenced by the number of injuries, are:

• Laborers
• Construction and Extraction supervisors
• Roofers
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Equipment operators
• Painters and paperhangers
• Plumbers, pipe layers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
• Highway maintenance workers
• Structural iron and steel workers

For all construction workers, falls represent the leading cause of death. Fall protection, like guardrails, safety nets, or fall arrest systems, is required. Electrocutions are the second leading cause of construction deaths. Employers must provide protection for all types of construction hazards.

Filing for workers’ compensation benefits

No matter the circumstances, you can file for workers’ compensation benefits whenever you are injured on the job. Doing so is particularly important if your injuries are severe and you can’t work again or may be out for an extended period. You may also be able to file on behalf of a family member who suffered a fatal injury while at work.

Proving that the workplace was unsafe will help workers’ compensation claims. You might have an even better chance of receiving compensation if the employer failed to provide necessary safeguards under OSHA rules.