What Does
Fatal Four Mean?
The “Fatal Four”—falls, electrocutions, struck-by-object incidents, and caught-in/between accidents—are the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, these hazards accounted for approximately 58% of all construction-related deaths.
Safeopedia Explains Fatal Four
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2023, the construction industry experienced 1,075 fatalities, marking the highest number for the sector since 2011.
Falls, slips, and trips were the leading causes, accounting for 421 deaths, or 39.2% of all construction fatalities.
Transportation incidents were the second most common cause, responsible for 240 fatalities, or 22.3%.
While specific percentages for electrocutions, struck-by-object accidents, and caught-in/between incidents in 2023 are not detailed in the available data, these types of incidents have historically been significant contributors to construction fatalities.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to these leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry as the “Fatal Four.” OSHA estimates that eliminating the Fatal Four would save 545 workers’ lives in America every year.
This underscores the critical need for ongoing enforcement of safety regulations and the promotion of safety awareness to reduce the occurrence of these fatal incidents, as well as serious and disabling injuries.