Safety Playbook

OSHA FATAL FOUR

2. CAUGHT IN OR BETWEEN About five percent of construction worker deaths in 2021 were from employees getting caught in or between machines, devices, tools, or trenches. This includes workers caught between moving or rotating equipment as well as collapsing structures or materials. Ensure control measures are in place and workers are properly trained to prevent the most common caught in or between hazards, which include: • Getting pulled into unguarded machinery • Caught between equipment and a fixed object • Trapped in a masonry wall, trench, or excavation collapse 3. STRUCK-BY HAZARDS Struck-by accidents are one of the main causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the construction industry. OSHA defines struck-by incidents as those “produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object, or piece of equipment”. Common types of struck-by hazards in construction:

In the construction industry, the most common causes of workplace fatalities are called the “Fatal Four”, also known as the “Focus Four Hazards”. These types of accidents account for more than 60% of construction fatalities annually. 1. FALL PROTECTION Improper use of fall protection leads to more incidents, injuries, and or deaths than any other hazard throughout the construction industry. It is imperative that anyone working above any regulated trigger height (varies by location and job description), is properly trained on which fall protection is needed for the task being performed. Common Fall Protection Methods • PFAS – Personal Fall Arrest System

• Guard Rails & Stair Rails • Floor Opening Covers

• Struck-by flying object • Struck-by falling object • Struck-by swinging object • Struck-by rolling object

Fall Hazards What are fall hazards?

• Unprotected leading-edge work • Unprotected wall and floor openings • Hoist areas • Uncovered holes • Roof and elevator openings • Poor working surface integrity • Unprotected ramps and runways

• Dangerous equipment • Form work and reinforcing steel • Excavations, wells, and pits • Scaffolding collapses • Improper use of ladders • Lack of appropriate signage • Lack of appropriate guardrails

Common Trigger Heights 6 ft. – Most common height at which fall protection is required 10 ft. – For scaffolding and scaffold systems (excluding California) 7½ ft. – California fall protection trigger height (framing >15 ft. and roofing >20 ft.) 4 ft. – Washington fall protection trigger height

The responsible trade partners/suppliers are required to correct any temporary fall protection that is removed or altered. For example, floor protection, guardrails, window bracing, etc. The Site Manager should also be informed of any known risks.

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