How to Protect Contractors from The Fatal Four Hazards

For the past few years, OSHA has spearheaded an initiative aimed at increasing awareness about the top four dangers that pose significant risks of severe injury or fatality to contractors. These four critical factors contributing to deaths on job sites among contractors are known as the Fatal Four Hazards.

The Fatal Four, including falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, are responsible for 31.5% of all workplace fatalities and 65% of all construction-related deaths. In this guide, we’ll delve into effective contractor safety management strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure a secure working environment.

Falls

Falls continue to be the primary cause of work-related fatalities across industries within the Fatal Four. They have accounted for up to 36% of all workplace fatal and non-fatal injuries in certain years. Unstable surfaces, improper ladder use, and a lack of fall protection contribute to these incidents.

Effective mitigation begins with pre-job analysis, such as scrutinizing blueprints to pinpoint potential fall zones. This proactive approach aids in hazard prevention and ensures workers are equipped with suitable personal protective equipment. Improper use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding during skyscraper construction exacerbates this risk.

According to OSHA, fall protection is mandated at different heights across various industries: 4 feet for general industry, 5 feet for maritime, and 6 feet for construction. However, construction standards introduce complexity with exceptions, such as:

• 10 feet for individuals working above the lower level on scaffolding
• 15 feet and above for contractors engaged in steel erection activities
• 24 feet for workers on a fixed ladder or rebar assembly

For tasks above these elevations, employers must implement appropriate systems like guardrails, covers, or Personal Fall Arrest systems. Companies can implement fall protection measures at lower heights. However, after workers exceed the minimum height requirement, OSHA may issue costly fines.

Struck-By Hazards

Struck-by accidents, which involve forceful contact with objects or equipment, also present significant risks to contractors. The primary method of categorizing struck-by hazards revolves around the movement of the object causing the impact. Contractors may face various scenarios:

1. Struck by a flying object
2. Struck by a falling object
3. Struck by a swinging object
4. Struck by a rolling object

However, identifying the type of object involved is equally crucial, particularly given that approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment, including vehicles. Vehicle-related accidents are so prevalent in construction that one in four workplace “struck by vehicle” deaths involves construction workers, surpassing other occupations. Examples of struck-by hazards include situations where contractors are at risk of being struck by improperly stacked materials that slide, tip over, or collapse; loads of materials during transport; tools or materials dropped by workers on higher levels; and more.

To mitigate struck-by hazards, contractor safety management should emphasize pre-use equipment inspections, the provision of adequate PPE such as safety glasses and hard hats, and site-specific training to enhance awareness and hazard avoidance. By implementing these preventive measures, businesses can effectively safeguard contractors from struck-by accidents.

Electrocution Risks

Electrocution hazards present significant dangers on job sites, particularly in cases where power lines are not readily visible. To address this risk, contractor safety management must promote safe work practices around electrical hazards. This includes protocols for de-energizing job sites and equipment before work commencement or repairs, the utilization of appropriate PPE like safety eyewear and gloves, and heightened awareness regarding power lines and conductive materials. Through diligent adherence to these safety measures, the likelihood of electrocution incidents can be substantially reduced.

Caught-In/Between Hazards

Caught-in/between hazards, encompassing incidents such as trench collapses and unguarded equipment accidents, represent other fatal risk factors for contractors. According to OSHA, these hazards are responsible for 16% of construction deaths. To mitigate these dangers, contractor safety management should prioritize machine guarding and comprehensive training on lock-out procedures. By ensuring that machinery is secured correctly and providing adequate guidance on hazard avoidance, businesses can minimize the occurrence of caught-in/between accidents and protect the well-being of contractors.

Contractor Safety Management

Without adequate awareness of risks like the Fatal Four, coupled with ignorance of accident prevention methods and safety protocols, contractors remain vulnerable to workplace hazards. However, by leveraging comprehensive contractor management platforms like Appruv, businesses can streamline safety training processes, ensuring that contractors receive regular instruction on site-specific protocols and proper PPE utilization. Through proactive contractor safety management, companies can effectively mitigate risks, safeguarding both contractors and themselves from harm and potential penalties.

To learn more about how to protect your contractors from the Fatal Four hazards, contact Appruv’s team today.