OSHA’s “Fatal Four” Continue to Claim Lives on Texas Construction Sites

Every year, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) track causes of death on construction sites. Every year, four causes appear more often than others. OSHA calls these causes the “Fatal Four.” 

Much of OSHA’s work is spent helping construction teams avoid the harms caused by the Fatal Four. Yet these dangers continue to claim lives in the Texas construction industry. If you’re injured or lose a loved one on a construction site, speak to an experienced North Texas lawyer. The team at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is here to help. 

How Do Construction Deaths Happen? 

Nearly 20 percent of US workplace deaths in 2021 occurred on construction sites, according to OSHA. The top four causes of death at these workplaces included falls, caught-in/between incidents, struck-by incidents, and electrocution.

1. Falls At A Local Site. Falls remain a top cause of death and serious injury on construction sites in North Texas and throughout the United States. In 2023, 92 workers suffered fatal injuries in work-related falls in Texas. Construction workers accounted for more than half of these deaths, with 49 fatalities. 
2. Caught In or In Between Equipment. Construction workers face a higher-than-average risk of being caught in, between, or under equipment or objects. Body parts pinned in machinery or trapped between materials, workers pinned between a forklift and a wall, and other incidents fall in this category. 
3. Struck By an Object Incident. Related to caught-in/between incidents are struck-by incidents. These occur when a construction worker is struck by a falling load, a vehicle, or another object. TDI categorizes caught-in/between and struck-by incidents together under “contact incidents.” In 2023, contact incidents caused 86 Texas workplace deaths, including 20 deaths in construction.
4. Electrocution. Electrocution is a constant risk for construction workers. It may occur while electrical lines are being run. Electrocution can also occur when a tool is defective, when a vehicle’s electrical system shorts out, or in other ways. Electrocution can result in severe burns and can easily be deadly. 

Top Causes of Fatalities in Dallas Construction Sites

While the “Fatal Four” are the most common causes of death and injury on construction sites, they aren’t the only risks construction workers face. The Texas Department of Insurance also tracked the following causes of fatal work-related injuries among construction workers in 2023:

• Transportation incidents. Transportation incidents included car accidents and similar dangerous situations. In 2023, 29 construction workers died in a transportation incident.
• Exposure to harmful substances and environments. Extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, and other substances or environments can cause deadly injuries. In Texas, construction workers face significant risks from working in the heat of summer. Exposure to cold and other environments can also cause harm. 

Many workplace accidents and injuries are preventable. When harm occurs, filing a workers’ compensation or wrongful death claim can help families get through a tough time. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options. 

What To Do If You’re Injured On the Job on Dallas Highway Projects, Business, and Residential Construction Sites

Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees injured on the job in Texas. If you’re injured at work, take these steps as soon as possible: 

Tell your boss. Notify your employer about your injury. You can tell anyone in charge at your workplace. In an emergency, have your boss or a co-worker call 911. If it’s not an emergency, ask for a list of approved doctors and see one as soon as possible.

Get medical attention. Medical emergencies require emergency care. Even if it’s not an emergency, however, see a doctor as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation only covers work-related injuries. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier it is for the doctor to determine that your injury was caused by your job. 

Save all your paperwork. Doctor’s notes, paperwork from work, pay stubs, bills, receipts, and similar information can help you make a case for workers’ compensation and other benefits. Keep all the paperwork related to your work injury. Store it together in a safe place. Consider making both paper and digital backups. 

Speak to an attorney. Dealing with a serious injury is tough. Dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one can feel impossible. A lawyer can handle your workers’ compensation claim, so that you and your family can focus on your needs. 

If a loved one suffered a work related injury that results in an unexpected death, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Each incident is unique, and it’s best to discuss the details during your initial consultation. The experienced North Texas injury lawyers at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys are here to help. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident or a loved one has passed away, reach out to us today. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options.