The construction industry is one of the most rewarding fields to work in, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Year after year,
construction ranks among the top industries for workplace fatalities. With heavy equipment, electrical systems, unstable surfaces, and constantly changing jobsite conditions, there’s no
shortage of hazards. Here’s what to look out for on your jobsite.
OSHA has identified four leading causes of death in the construction industry, known as the “Focus Four” or “Fatal Four.” These four types of incidents are
responsible for approximately 65.5% of all construction-related fatalities.
They are:
- Falls
- Struck-by incidents
- Caught-in or caught-between incidents
- Electrocutions
By focusing on preventing these specific types of accidents, companies can make major strides toward reducing injuries and saving lives.
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Falls, Slips, and Trips
Falls remain the most common cause of fatal injuries in construction. Whether it’s a short fall from a ladder or a major drop from a roof or scaffold, the consequences can be devastating. Jobsites are filled with potential hazards; uneven ground, open holes, wet surfaces, and unstable platforms all pose major threats to worker safety.
Preventing falls starts with paying attention to the environment. Workers should inspect walkways and ground surfaces regularly for gaps, debris, or weak spots. Equally important is staying alert near ledges or drop-offs, especially when operating machinery. Falls don’t just happen from ladders or scaffolds; they can occur when stepping off equipment or even slipping on a slick floor.
Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), like steel-toed boots, gloves, eye protection, and especially hard hats, is essential. When working at height, fall protection systems such as guardrails, harnesses, and lanyards should always be used—and inspected regularly.
Safety Tips
- • Inspect walkways and work areas for holes, gaps, or uneven surfaces.
- • Always wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), especially hard hats, safety boots, gloves, and eye protection.
- • Use fall protection systems like guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems when working at height.
- • Stay alert around edges, scaffolding, and unstable ground, especially when operating equipment.
- • Follow OSHA’s fall protection standards, especially for work done at six feet or higher.
Struck-by Incidents
Struck-by injuries occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, tool, or piece of equipment. This might involve something as large as a crane load or as simple as a hand tool falling from height. On busy jobsites, especially those with heavy equipment in motion, these risks are ever-present.
To minimize the risk, visibility is key. Workers should always wear high-visibility gear and remain aware of their surroundings. It’s easy to assume machine operators can see you, but blind spots on large machines can be substantial. That’s why spotters are critical—especially in tight or congested areas. Clear communication using hand signals and eye contact helps ensure operators and ground personnel understand each other’s movements.
Most importantly, avoid standing or walking through areas where machines are operating or materials are being hoisted. If something looks unstable or poorly secured, say something. A few seconds of awareness can prevent a serious injury—or save a life.
Safety Tips
- • Be aware of suspended loads, cranes, or materials that could fall or shift unexpectedly.
- • Wear high-visibility vests and clothing to ensure you’re seen by machine operators and drivers.
- • Never assume an operator can see you—stay out of equipment blind spots and use spotters when needed.
- • Make eye contact with machine operators and use clear hand signals to communicate your movements.
- • Keep your head on a swivel—situational awareness is key.
Caught-In or Caught-Between Hazards
Caught-in or caught-between incidents happen when a worker gets trapped between equipment, materials, or structural elements. These accidents often involve heavy machinery like excavators, compactors, or lifts, especially when moving or rotating unexpectedly.
Workers should always stay clear of moving parts on equipment and be aware of their surroundings when machines are in use. Like with strike-by incidents, bright, high-visibility clothing helps operators spot nearby crew members more easily. Machines like excavators have large swing radiuses, and in tight areas, this can pose a real threat.
If you’re working around equipment, always assume it could move at any moment. Never position yourself between a machine and a stationary object, and avoid entering an equipment blind spot. When servicing equipment, engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks if needed. Always follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure machinery is properly shut down and secured before beginning maintenance.
Safety Tips
- • Stay clear of moving equipment parts, gears, and machinery.
- • Avoid entering tight or confined spaces unless properly trained and authorized.
- • Be extra cautious around swing radiuses of excavators or cranes.
- • When servicing equipment, engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
- • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures must be followed during maintenance to prevent accidental startup.
Electrocution
Electricity is a hidden danger on many jobsites. It doesn’t take much—a poorly grounded cord, an exposed wire, or a piece of equipment contacting an overhead power line—for tragedy to strike.
All equipment should be regularly inspected for frayed wires, damaged cords, or improper grounding. When operating tall equipment like cranes or boom lifts, extra care must be taken around overhead power lines. In fact, crews should treat every wire as live unless it has been confirmed otherwise.
Lockout/tagout procedures must be followed religiously when working on electrical systems. No shortcuts. Machinery must be completely de-energized and tagged before any repairs or inspections take place. It’s also smart to be on the lookout for faulty or makeshift electrical setups, especially on older or rapidly assembled jobsites.
Safety Tips
- • Inspect tools and equipment regularly for frayed cords, exposed wiring, or improper grounding.
- • Be mindful of overhead power lines, especially when using ladders or tall equipment.
- • Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures when working near energized components.
- • Never touch exposed wires without proper PPE and verification that power is shut off.
- • Ensure all equipment is properly grounded.
The Value of a Strong Safety Program
Beyond the obvious benefit of protecting your team, safety programs offer a number of practical advantages to construction companies. For one, insurance companies take safety records into account, so strong safety performance can lead to lower premiums and better policy terms.
There’s also a growing trend among clients and general contractors to prioritize subcontractors with strong safety records. A proactive safety culture can make your company more competitive when bidding for work. Additionally, when workers feel safe, they’re more likely to stay engaged, report hazards, and look out for one another—further strengthening the safety culture.
The Value of a Strong Safety Program
Building a safe work culture doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, leadership, and consistency. One of the most important things a company can do is make safety training a regular, proactive process—not just something that happens after an incident. Holding brief safety talks before each shift, regularly reviewing potential jobsite hazards, and encouraging open dialogue around concerns can go a long way.
Leadership plays a huge role. When managers and supervisors follow safety protocols and wear PPE just like everyone else, it sends a clear message that safety isn’t optional—it’s part of the job. Cutting corners or making exceptions at the top sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the crew.
Tracking safety data is also essential. Even small incidents or near-misses can reveal patterns that point to larger problems. Project managers who take the time to document and review these events can often prevent future issues before they arise.
Final Thoughts
Construction is an industry built on precision, planning, and teamwork. But none of that matters if your crew isn’t safe. Injuries and fatalities are not just numbers—they’re people. Families. Futures.
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