What Are OSHA’s Fatal Four at Construction Sites?
Construction is a dangerous occupation, with accidents happening frequently. Four categories of accidents are so deadly that they are called the "Fatal Four." The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a plethora of requirements that must be followed to ensure worker safety, but Chicagoland still sees construction accidents that severely injure or kill.
If you are injured while working at a construction site, you should receive workers’ comp benefits to help with your expenses. In some cases, you might also qualify to bring a personal injury suit. Family members of fatal victims could pursue a wrongful death action. Choosing an experienced Chicago, IL workers’ comp lawyer who also handles personal injury and wrongful death claims can streamline the processes and result in maximum compensation.
What Are the Fatal Four Construction Site Accident Causes?
Although accidents in these four categories cause the majority of construction site accidents, injuries and fatalities can result from other kinds of mishaps. Workers’ comp benefits should cover you regardless, but a third-party personal injury claim could provide additional compensation.
Falls
Falls are a top cause of construction site accidents. You may remember hearing about a deadly fall in June 2024, when two workers fell 80 feet from scaffolding while working on construction at the University of Chicago Cancer Pavilion. One worker died immediately, and the other suffered critical injuries. Winds were high that day, and the scaffolding may not have been constructed or secured properly according to OSHA standards.
Falls from heights are more likely to cause critical injuries and fatalities, but slip and fall accidents or falls from ladders can also be dangerous. Construction sites are often difficult to navigate due to debris, building materials, unsecured cords and wiring, and poor lighting.
Caught-In/Between
Many injuries and fatalities are caused when workers are caught in operating machinery, with others sustained when workers are crushed between two or more objects. For instance, a trench that is not supported correctly can collapse, or heavy equipment can pin a worker against a structure.
Struck-By
Construction workers can be struck by falling objects. For example, crane cables can snap, causing a steel beam to fall. They could also be struck by construction vehicles or equipment.
Electrocution
Whether high-voltage electrical lines are buried or overhead, these lines can cause electrocutions if damaged by digging or snapping. Using ungrounded power tools can cause injuries, and loosely secured electrical wiring often leads to injuries.
When Could I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Workers’ comp does not require you to establish fault before collecting benefits. If you can prove that someone other than your employer was negligent, and that negligence directly led to your injuries, you may qualify for additional compensation through a personal injury claim. In most cases, you cannot file such a claim against your employer. Eligible survivors may qualify for compensation through workers’ comp and wrongful death claims.
This may sound confusing, but your attorney can simplify the claims processes while exploring every possible source of compensation.
Contact a Skilled Arlington Heights, IL Construction Site Injury Lawyer Today
You do not have to wonder whether you can receive compensation after a construction accident. Instead, contact Adler Law Offices, LTD online or by calling 312-236-2700 to schedule your no-cost case evaluation with our dedicated Cook County, IL personal injury attorney.