Managing Partner
Jobs in the construction industry are among the most dangerous of any profession in the United States. Construction workers routinely suffer serious injuries while on the job. Unfortunately, many of these injuries result in death. Fatalities on construction sites are often preventable and the result of employer negligence. When a construction worker is killed on the job site, his or her family may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss. In this article, we examine the “fatal four” in construction.
What are the Fatal Four?
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Falls can occur from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or any elevated area on a construction site. Lack of proper safety equipment, such as safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, and guardrails can significantly increase the risk of falls.
Struck-by-Object
Construction workers are routinely struck by objects while on the jobsite, and this often results in death. This type of accident occurs when a piece of equipment or construction material falls from an elevated height. This category also includes collisions between workers and machinery or vehicles.
Electrocutions
Construction workers who are exposed to live electrical wires and components on the jobsite run the risk of being electrocuted. The risk increases when workers use inadequate electrical protective devices.
Caught-In/Between
Finally, caught-in/between accidents occur when construction workers are crushed, caught, compressed, squeezed, or pinched between objects. This can occur as a result of equipment rollovers, collapsing materials, or during excavation or trenching work.
Avoiding the Fatal Four
Fortunately, as discussed below, there are steps construction employers and workers can take to avoid the fatal four.
Avoiding Falls
There are multiple types of fall protection workers can utilize to protect against falls. Examples of fall protection equipment include:
- Covers
- Guardrail systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
In addition, all fall hazards, such as unguarded edges and holes, should be protected or covered prior to the beginning of construction.
Avoiding Being Struck by an Object
To avoid struck-by-object accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that constructions site managers take the following actions:
- Comply with state and federal construction standards
- Provide proper protective gear to construction workers, such as hardhats and reflective clothing
- Provide extensive training for vehicles and equipment
Avoiding Electrocution
To avoid electrocution on construction sites, the following precautions are recommended:
- Identify and locate live wires and other types of electrical hazards before beginning construction
- Ensure that workers maintain a safe distance from all power lines
- Utilize ground-fault surge protectors
Avoiding Being Caught-In/Between Accidents
Finally, it is possible to reduce the odds of caught-in/between accidents by doing the following:
- Instruct workers to avoid positioning themselves between fixed and moving objects
- Install protective systems around all trenches that are five feet or deeper
Contact a New York Construction Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a construction accident, the distinguished law firm of Dell & Dean, PLLC, is here to help. Our experienced New York construction accident attorneys are highly experienced in providing assistance to construction accident victims and their families throughout NYC and the state of New York. Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a free initial consultation with a talented and knowledgeable New York construction accident attorney.
