How to Protect Your Workers From OSHA's Fatal Four

New construction workers are stepping onto job sites for their first time to meet the high demands of work. Protect construction workers from serious injuries and fatalities caused by OSHA's fatal four. OSHA's fatal four includes: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocutions. 

Construction workers often work in dangerous environments - using multiple tools at various heights. Managing the safety of contractors is a proactive exercise, as noted in Keeping the Jobsite Safe in a Booming Market. Be proactive and communicate hazards on clear and concise safety messages.

Identify all hazards on job sites and prevent OSHA’s fatal four by keeping these safety tips top of mind: 

1) Prevent Falls

• Ensure your workers are informed to wear personal fall arrest equipment with Fall Protection Signs
• Install and maintain perimeter protection
• Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers
• When ladders and scaffolds are not safe, lock them out with Ladder Lockouts

2) Prevent Struck-By

• Never place yourself between moving and fixed objects - notify with construction signs!
• Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles

3) Prevent Caught-In/Between

• Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation that's 5 feet deep or more without a protective system in place 
• Make sure the trench or excavation is protected 

4) Prevent Electrocutions

• Locate and identify utilities before starting work
• Always look for overhead powerlines when operating any equipment
• Maintain a safe distance away from powerlines and learn the safe distance requirements
• Do not operate portable electric tools unless they're grounded or double insulated. Use electrical static & grounding signs.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection
• Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds, or other platforms.

With these safety tips and resources, you can protect others from OSHA’s fatal four.