As a Pennsylvania construction worker, you may face some of the most dangerous conditions in any profession, conditions directly addressed by understanding the OSHA Fatal Four. The legal team at Douglas, Joseph & Olson Attorneys At Law often assists workers in the construction industry to pursue compensation to cover the costs of their damages caused by an accident.
Localizing the Risk: Fatalities in Pennsylvania
As a Pennsylvania construction worker, the hazards you face aren’t abstract—they show up in statewide data. In 2023, Pennsylvania recorded 169 workplace fatalities; falls, slips, and trips accounted for 43 (about one in four). The construction sector had the most deaths, with 30 fatalities, which is about 18% of the total. Specialty trade contractors, like roofers, electricians, and laborers, accounted for 17 of these deaths. In construction, falls caused 16 out of 30 deaths. This shows why fall protection should be a top priority on every job.
Pennsylvania workplaces are covered by federal OSHA; the Commonwealth supplements this with programs like certified workplace safety committees (which can earn employers a 5% workers’ comp premium discount). Vigilance, training, and strict adherence to requirements—especially fall protection and machine guarding—are essential to prevent life-altering injuries.
But what makes your job so dangerous? According to OSHA, there are four types of accidents that often kill construction workers. You can find more information about these accidents here. These are known as the OSHA Fatal Four.
The OSHA Fatal Four Statistics
Understanding the primary threats is the first step toward prevention. The following accidents comprise the OSHA Fatal Four and represent the leading causes of construction worker fatalities:
- Falls: You are most likely to be killed by falling; 384 workers died because of injuries suffered in a fall.
- Struck-By Object: There were 93 workers who died when an object on the job site struck them; while there were far fewer casualties than falls, it still presents a significant danger.
- Electrocution: Almost as many workers died from electrocution as from struck-by accidents; 82 suffered fatal electrical accidents.
- Caught-Between/Crushed: A close fourth among the OSHA Fatal Four, accidents that involved workers becoming caught, compressed, or crushed by machinery, equipment, or collapsing structures caused 72 deaths.
Connecting Violations to the Fatal Four
The law requires your employer to follow strict safety guidelines. OSHA inspects job sites and issues citations for noncompliance, and it is not too difficult to connect the most frequently cited violations to the most frequently occurring deadly accidents in the OSHA Fatal Four.
For example:
- The most citations were issued for a lack of fall protection.
- Other common citations relating to the OSHA Fatal Four included scaffolding violations and ladder safety violations.
Additionally, citations were issued for failing to meet safety standards regarding:
- Electrical and wiring violations and lockout/tagout violations (addressing electrocution risks).
- Machinery and machine guard regulations (addressing caught-between hazards).
- Safety standards for powered industrial trucks.
More information about workplace accidents and protecting your rights is available on our webpage. Knowing the OSHA Fatal Four hazards empowers you to recognize unsafe conditions on your job site.
Take Action After a Construction Accident
If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury while working in construction—whether due to a Fall, Struck-By incident, Electrocution, or a Caught-In/Between hazard (The OSHA Fatal Four)—you need skilled legal representation.
Don’t let employer negligence dictate your future. Seek answers today about pursuing compensation for your damages.
Reach out by phone or complete a contact form to arrange a free consultation with Douglas, Joseph & Olson Attorneys At Law.
For general information on Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, visit the PA Department of Labor & Industry (pa.gov). For updates and guidance, see our Workers’ Compensation Blog.
