In Alabama, construction projects go on all times of the year, whether it is the erection of a building, roadwork or renovations to an existing structure. However, construction work is dangerous work, and construction accidents could lead to fatalities. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has identified the four major causes of fatal construction accidents known as the “Fatal Four.”
How serious is the issue of fatal construction accidents?
According to OSHA, out of the 4,779 worker deaths in the private industry in calendar year 2018, one in five fatalities were in the construction industry. This makes the construction industry one of the most fatal industries in the private sector when it comes to workplace deaths.
What are the “Fatal Four”?
The four leading causes of workplace fatalities in the private sector construction industry, not including highway crashes, are as follows. First, there are falls, which accounted for 33.5% of construction workplace fatalities in calendar year 2018. Second there is being struck by an object, which accounted for 11.1% of construction workplace fatalities in calendar year 2018. Third, there are electrocutions, which accounted for 8.5% of construction workplace fatalities in calendar year 2018. Finally, there is being caught-in/between objects, which accounted for 5.5% of construction workplace fatalities in calendar year 2018.
Eliminating the “Fatal Four” could save lives
OSHA estimates that if the “Fatal Four” were eliminated, approximately 590 lives in the U.S. could be saved. However, this may not be of much comfort to those who have already lost a loved one in a construction accident. Those in the Birmingham area who have lost a loved one in a construction accident may want to learn more about their legal options, including pursuing a lawsuit if appropriate.
