OSHA’s “Fatal Four” Construction Site Risks – What Should You Do After a Workplace Accident?

Along with workers in the oil and gas industry, construction workers face some of the most dangerous work conditions in the country. In fact, certain types of construction site accidents are so common that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has dubbed them the “Fatal Four.”

As a construction worker, if you suffer an injury on the job, you may be entitled to financial compensation from one or more of several potential sources. To protect your rights and preserve your claim for maximum compensation, it is critical that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

The “Fatal Four” Accident Risks on Construction Sites

According to OSHA, four types of accidents account for nearly 60 percent of all construction-related deaths each year. Of the 874 construction workers who died on the job in 2014 (accounting for roughly 20 percent of all work-related fatalities nationwide), 508 died as a result of the “Fatal Four.”

OSHA’s “Fatal Four” are:

• Falls – 349 construction worker deaths in 2014 (39.9%)
• Electrocutions – 74 construction worker deaths in 2014 (8.5%)
• Struck by Objects – 73 construction worker deaths in 2014 (8.4%)
• Caught in/between – 12 construction worker deaths in 2014 (1.4%)

Of course, there are many, many more accidents than these every year. OSHA reports that 1 in 10 construction workers suffer a job-related injury on an annual basis.

As you can see, falls are by far the most common construction site accidents. From residential roofers to laborers on large-scale commercial projects, all types of construction workers face potential fall risks. While employers, contractors, subcontractors and property owners should all be taking steps to ensure construction workers’ safety, unfortunately, these companies often fail to meet their obligations.

Electrocutions injure and kill not only electricians, but other workers as well. For example, fatal accidents have included workers coming into contact with exposed wires and fires resulting from faulty wiring. “Struck by” accidents include those involving flying debris, forklifts and other material handling equipment, and falling tools and materials. Common “caught in/between” accidents include workers getting pinned by trucks or having their arms or legs caught in heavy machinery.

What to Do if You are Injured on a Construction Site in Houston, TX

If you suffer an injury as a result of the “Fatal Four” or any other accident on a construction site, you will need to act fast in order to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. You are not alone and you deserve to be compensated for your losses.

If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, there are certain procedures you will need to follow in order to claim this no-fault compensation. At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we can walk you through the process of protecting your rights, and we will fight tirelessly to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Have You Suffered a Work Injury in Houston, TX? Contact Morrow & Sheppard LLP Today

Houston work injury lawyers Nick Morrow and John D. Sheppard have represented some of the biggest companies in the world. Now, they use their experience to help accident victims fight for just compensation. If you have been injured in a construction-related accident, contact Morrow & Sheppard LLP today for a free case evaluation.