OSHA's Fatal Four: The Leading Causes of Construction Deaths and How to Prevent Them

OSHA's Fatal Four: The Leading Causes of Construction Deaths and How to Prevent Them

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. OSHA has identified four hazard categories — known as the "Fatal Four" — that account for more than 60% of all construction worker deaths each year. Understanding and preventing these hazards is the most impactful thing a construction employer can do to protect their workforce.

1. Falls (36.4% of Construction Deaths)

Falls from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, and elevated work platforms are the leading cause of construction fatalities. Prevention measures include:

• Install guardrails on all open-sided floors and platforms above 6 feet
• Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when guardrails are not feasible
• Inspect all ladders before use and ensure proper angle and footing
• Train workers on fall hazard recognition and prevention

2. Struck-By Objects (10.8% of Construction Deaths)

Workers are struck by falling tools, swinging equipment, and moving vehicles. Prevention measures include:

• Require hard hats (ANSI Z89.1) in all areas with overhead work
• Use tool lanyards to prevent dropped tools from height
• Establish exclusion zones around crane and heavy equipment operations
• Require hi-vis vests for all workers near vehicle traffic

3. Electrocution (8.5% of Construction Deaths)

Contact with overhead power lines, energized equipment, and improper use of electrical tools causes hundreds of deaths annually. Prevention measures include:

• Maintain safe distances from overhead power lines (minimum 10 feet for lines up to 50kV)
• Use Class E hard hats for electrical work
• Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all temporary power

4. Caught-In/Between (2.4% of Construction Deaths)

Workers are caught in or compressed by equipment, objects, or collapsing structures. Prevention measures include:

• Never work in the swing radius of excavating equipment
• Shore, slope, or shield all excavations deeper than 5 feet
• Guard all rotating and moving machine parts
• Implement machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures

Conclusion

Eliminating the Fatal Four requires proper PPE, training, and hazard controls. RANOVA USA provides the hard hats, hi-vis vests, and safety equipment needed to address all four hazard categories on your job site.