When working in industries such as construction and mining, accidents are bound to happen. The presence of hazardous conditions and use of heavy machinery increases the risk of injury and even death for workers. According to the latest data of Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 4,400 fatal injuries were reported in 2012 alone.
In the construction and mining sectors, several key factors in the most common fatal accidents were identified. These so-called "Fatal Four" accounted for more than three out of every five fatal accidents. Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration mentioned these factors' prevalence in construction fatalities as the Focus Four, which are addressed by specialized training and equipment.
1. Falling Accidents
Falls from heights were one of the biggest killers in construction and mining due to high scaffolding and long drops common to both industries. Measures to reduce harm from falls include the use fall protection equipment, guardrails and fall safety training for workers.
2. Caught-In or -Between Accidents
These fatalities occurred when victims were snagged by or caught in the moving parts of machinery or heavy equipment, resulting in crushing injuries. Such accidents can also happen in confined spaces, where there's little room to escape injury. The best defense against such fatalities is prevention. Comprehensive safety training in equipment operation and safety protocols is critical to preventing these disasters.
3. Struck-by-Object Accidents
Many workers lost their lives after being struck by an object, be it debris, unsecured cargo, or loose equipment. This underscores the constant need for head protection and other personal protective equipment when in the work area, as well as the use of safety signs to remind workers of potential danger.
4. Electrocution Accidents
Mining and construction sites use a lot of electricity and electrical equipment, and this condition necessitates extra caution. Employ proper lockout and tagout procedures to prevent unauthorized use of defective or dangerous equipment and thus minimize the chances of workers getting hurt.
These are just four of many risk factors that affect the safety of your personnel in any construction site or mining operation. Learn all you can to improve your safety and regulatory compliance! Don't be a victim of the Fatal Four!