Partner
Construction remains one of America’s most hazardous industries, with OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards—falls, contact incidents, electrocutions, and crushing accidents—accounting for the majority of workplace fatalities. Learn more about how to avoid these hazards with this comprehensive guide from our workplace injury attorneys at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman.
What Risks Do You Face from OSHA’s “Fatal Four” Construction Hazards?
In 1994, OSHA identified four leading causes of construction worker deaths nationwide: Falls accounted for approximately 39.2% of construction fatalities in 2024. Struck-by incidents caused about 165 construction injuries annually. Electrocutions contributed to roughly 4,000 construction injuries in 2019, and caught-in/between incidents led to approximately 58 deaths from 2011 to 2020.
In Mississippi’s construction industry, the percentage of fatal injuries caused by falls and contact incidents reflects national trends.
How Can Falls Impact You as a Mississippi Construction Worker?
Mississippi construction workers face common hazardous fall-prone scenarios from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, unprotected floor openings, and unguarded edges; in 2023, 10 construction workers died from fall-related incidents. Mississippi’s hot, humid climate can exacerbate your fall risks, as heat-related fatigue can impair your balance and judgment.
Use personal fall arrest systems for all work at heights over 6 feet, install guardrails and safety nets, secure covers over floor openings, and conduct regular ladder and scaffolding inspections to mitigate fall risk.
Why Should You Worry About Struck-by Hazards on Your Site?
Struck-by incidents occur when moving objects, vehicles, or falling materials hit you. Mississippi workers frequently encounter these risks during heavy equipment operation on congested sites, from falling tools or materials from elevated work areas, and in work zones with heavy vehicles.
With Mississippi’s growing infrastructure development, struck-by hazards present a significant threat to every construction worker’s safety. Minimize the risk of these incidents by establishing clear vehicle routes and pedestrian-free zones, wearing high-visibility clothing, securing all tools and materials when working at heights, and using proper rigging techniques for lifted loads.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Electrocution Threats?
Electrocution hazards pose particular dangers during frequent thunderstorms and lightning. If you work in construction, exercise caution around temporary electrical installations on job sites, overhead power lines during crane operations, and damaged extension cords and tools.
Implement Lockout/Tagout procedures, use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), maintain safe distances from power lines, and inspect all electrical tools and cords before use.
How Can You Avoid Caught-in/between Accidents on Your Site?
Caught-in/between incidents happen when machinery traps you or objects pinch you between them—Mississippi construction workers encounter these hazards during trench collapses, equipment roller operation, rotating machinery maintenance, and material transportation or storage. Mississippi’s soil conditions can increase the risk of trench collapse, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Never enter unprotected trenches deeper than five feet, use proper trench protective systems, implement machine guarding, and follow proper blocking procedures when working under raised loads.
What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of Employers and Construction Workers?
Mississippi employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, supply appropriate personal protective equipment at no cost to workers, deliver comprehensive safety training for all hazards workers may encounter, conduct regular safety inspections and hazard assessments, maintain accurate injury and illness records, report severe incidents to OSHA within required timeframes, and avoid retaliating against workers who report safety concerns.
Construction workers in the state have the right to work in conditions free from recognized hazards, receive proper safety training in each worker’s language, maintain access to their workplace injury and illness records, request an OSHA inspection for unsafe conditions, and exercise those rights without fear of retaliation.
Find Helpful Guidance on OSHA’s “Fatal Four” at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, our knowledgeable attorneys understand OSHA regulations and can help you with safety compliance. Whether you need us to formulate prevention strategies for your workplace, explain your responsibilities as an employer, or protect your rights as a construction worker in Mississippi, our lawyers can act as your seasoned advocate. With deep roots in North Mississippi, our attorneys bring decades of litigation experience and strong moral convictions to every case.
Call us at (662)502-5661 for a free consultation or fill out our online form for a free consultation today.
