In many physical jobs, there are some inherent risks that workers face. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration tries to raise awareness around these hazards. One way they do this is by identifying the Focus Four.
Specifically, these are examples of potentially serious or even deadly accidents that can happen, typically pulled from the construction industry. They are the four main leading causes of fatal accidents. OSHA tries to inform workers so that they can take proactive steps to avoid these hazards.
The 4 most common kinds of injuries in construction
The Focus Four are falls, caught-in or caught-between accidents, struck-by accidents and electrocutions.
Falls are relatively simple, but they are by far the most dangerous type of accident. A worker who falls from a height could immediately suffer fatal injuries, perhaps through a head injury or a spinal cord injury. Caught-in or caught-between accidents often involve equipment with moving parts, such as a worker who gets caught in a conveyor belt. Struck-by accidents, on the other hand, happen when items fall from above and strike workers on the ground.
Electrocutions can happen in numerous different ways. On some construction projects, electrical lines are being installed, so workers could be exposed to a line that they did not realize was already live. But there are also issues with power tools, extension cords, generators and other sources of electricity.
Seeking workers’ compensation
The Focus Four are often tied to the construction industry, but very similar hazards can be found in many industries. Those who work in oil fields are also sometimes working at heights and around heavy equipment, for example, so they could suffer injuries in similar ways. It is critical that all workers understand what options they have to seek workers’ compensation when necessary.