When it comes to dangerous work environments, construction is at the top of the list.

In 2014, 20 percent of worker deaths were in construction. While OSHA (The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) understands that many types of construction accidents can occur,  “Construction’s Fatal Four” need the most attention.

Construction’s Fatal Four:

•  Falls

•  Electrocutions

•  Struck by object

•  Caught-in/between

Approximately 40 percent of total deaths in the construction industry in 2014 were from falls. This is followed by 8.5 percent caused by electrocutions, 8.4 percent struck by object, and 1.4 percent for caught-in/between accidents.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

It is good to understand the seriousness of these types of accidents. However, they are difficult to reduce. OSHA is staffed with the responsibility of keeping workers safe at their place of employment. Along with state partners, the agency takes great pride in protecting the well being of more than 130 million workers. Even so, no agency is able to prevent every workplace accident.

Federal and state agencies, along with employers and employees, should work together to promote the safest possible work environment. This is easier said than done, but any progress is better than none at all.

Remember, It only takes one mistake in the workplace to seriously injure or kill a worker.

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Commonly Used Statistics,” accessed Oct. 07, 2015