Statistics provided by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) shows construction dangers and how to prevent workplace fatalities.
Now that NCAA March Madness is over, let’s talk about the OSHA “Fatal Four.” They include falls, electrocution, struck by object, and caught-in/between. These are the leading causes of deaths on construction sites.
Statistics from OSHA show 1 in 5 (20.5%) of total worker deaths in 2014 were in construction. The Fatal Four accounted for more than half (58.1%) of this number. OSHA estimates that eliminating the Fatal Four would save 508 employee lives in America every year.
Michigan has already seen 4 fatalities in 2016 according to MIOSHA. 50% were from falls, and 25% were classified as struck by. We think even 1 death that could have been prevented is a huge tragedy.
Preventing workplace deaths in Michigan
Business owners can receive grant money from MIOSHA for development and implementation of safety and health training across Michigan. It awarded 20 CET grants in 2015 totaling $865,000. Projects included everything from ladder safety to preventing workplace violence. Fiscal year 2016 is now open and soliciting grant proposals. We encourage employers to take advantage of this program.
Workers can also file a complaint with MIOSHA regarding safety and health hazards. The complaint process allows withholding of names to protect against employer retaliation. Company profits should never come before employee safety!
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Oregon State University.
