Why the Focus Four is Still Important in Construction Over the years, injuries and fatalities in the workplace have decreased substantially. Unfortunately, workplace injuries and fatalities continue to occur every day. OSHA reports there is an average of 12 work-related fatalities throughout the United States every day. Often referred to as the “Focus Four” by OSHA, the leading causes of workplace deaths in the construction industry are gathered in these areas. Falls OSHA found that approximately 36% of all deaths in the workplace occurred due to employees falling. Failure to use proper fall protection is mentioned in these cases. This is unfortunate since incorporating the OSHA requirements would resolve these issues, which includes 1910.269(g)(2) Fall Protection. Struck By An Object An estimated 10% of deaths occurred due to swinging, falling, or misplaced objects. These also include falling objects due to rigging failure, loose, or shifting materials, equipment malfunctions, and vehicle or equipment strikes. Electrocutions About 8.6% of employees died due to electrocution. Workers face a number of risks on construction sites, such as exposed wiring, wet conditions while outlets are exposed, etc. These are caused by contact with overhead power lines or energized conductors or circuit parts in electrical panels and equipment panels, poorly maintained extension cords and power tools, as well as lightning strikes. Strict adherence to OSHA 1910.331-.335, 1910.269, and NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace would prevent these accidents. Caught-In/Between Employees caught in or between machines, devices, or tools causing death accounted for about 2.5% of deaths. These also include trench or excavation collapses, as well as workers caught between moving or rotating equipment, or caught in collapsing structures or materials. Five Ways to Stay Incident Free 5 1. Planning 2. Training 3. Oversight 4. Lessons Learned 5. Re-Evaluate Summary •The “Focus Four” hazards are responsible for the majority of physical, financial, and emotional losses in construction — and they exist on nearly every jobsite! •It takes a well-trained crew (the entire crew!) and lots of pre-planning to recognize and respond to those hazards. Safety is everyone’s responsibility — ALL of the time! SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE
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