According to OSHA, of the 4,779 worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2018, 1,008 or 21.1% were in construction — that is, one in five worker deaths were in construction. The leading causes of private sector worker deaths in the construction industry were falls, followed by struck by object, electrocution and caught-in/between. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (58.6%) the construction worker deaths in 2018.
Fall fatalities – 33.5%
Struck-by object fatalities – 11.1%
Electrocution fatalities – 8.5%
Caught-in/between fatalities – 5.5%
FALL PREVENTION
- Correctly install and use personal fall arrest equipment.
- Install and maintain guard rails and perimeter protection.
- Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers.
- Inspect and use ladders and scaffolds correctly.
STRUCK-BY PREVENTION
- Do not place yourself between moving equipment and fixed objects.
- Wear and maintain high-visibility clothes.
- Use tag lines when moving suspended loads.
- Inspect and use powered equipment correctly.
- Use proper rigging techniques.
CAUGHT-IN/CAUGHT BETWEEN PREVENTION
- Properly slope or implement trench protection for excavations five feet or deeper.
- Ensure guards are in place and in good condition on powered tools and equipment.
ELECTROCUTION PREVENTION
- Locate and identify utilities before starting work.
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
- Maintain minimum approach distance from power lines.
- Use GFCI on all portable electric tools.
- Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms.
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Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.