What Is OSHA’s Fatal Four?

Colburn Law

Posted in Personal Injury,Safety Tips,Worksite Injury on June 28, 2022

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations that help protect workers in the United States from injury and death. However, every job comes with risks. 

OSHA has identified the four main accidents that contribute to the highest number of workplace deaths: falls; being struck by an object; electrocutions; and being caught in or between. These are known as the Fatal Four.

Understanding the Fatal Four 

Workplace fatalities are unfortunately common in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 4.764 fatal work injuries occurred in 2020. This amounts to one worker death every 111 minutes. 

By following OSHA guidelines, employers can dramatically reduce the risk of workplace fatalities and limit the time that injured employees spend away from the job. However, some types of workplace accidents are more dangerous than others.

Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities. According to the BLS, falls, slips, and trips contributed to 805 fatal accidents in 2020. 

These accidents can involve falls on the same level; falls to a lower level; falls from collapsing structures or equipment; or falls through surfaces or existing openings.

Serious injuries can result from a fall, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. It is very common for these injuries to be fatal.

Contact a Seattle slip and fall attorney today to get the justice you deserve.

Being Struck by an Object

Heavy machinery, falling debris, building materials, and many other objects can strike a worker who is on the job. BLS data shows that being struck by an object or equipment contributed to 468 deaths in 2020 alone.

Some of the most common types of objects involved in these accidents include powered, non-transport vehicles; falling objects and equipment; and discharged or flying objects. As a result, workers can suffer from severe trauma that damages internal organs. 

Electrocutions

Electrocutions occur when a person comes into contact with a live electrical current, resulting in his or her death. In 2020, exposure to electricity resulted in 126 deaths. 

Electrocution is dangerous because of how it impacts the body internally. Although it may leave no visible marks, it is common for victims to suffer cardiac arrest or organ damage. 

Being Caught in or Between

Being caught in or between objects and equipment resulted in 142 worker deaths in 2020. Approximately 89 of these accidents involved running equipment or machinery.

When a worker is caught or compressed by objects or equipment, his or her body can suffer serious damage. Internal organs can be ruptured, bones can be broken, and the spinal cord can become severed (a spinal cord injury attorney in Seattle can help you with your legal needs). These injuries are often fatal.

How a Fatal Four Accident Can Change Your Family’s Life

A Fatal Four accident can devastate families in an instant, leaving behind a wake of financial and emotional turmoil. Surviving family members not only need to come to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one, but they also need to face the harsh realities of lost wages, mounting bills, and an uncertain future.

The grief that follows a tragic accident can be immense. Children lose a parent, spouses lose their partners, and families lose the support, care, and compassion of a loved one. The sudden loss of income can strain household budgets, potentially leading to difficulties in meeting mortgage payments, affording education, or maintaining the family’s standard of living. Additionally, unexpected expenses such as funeral costs and potential medical expenses from the accident can further compound the financial burden.

Death Benefits Under Washington’s Workers’ Comp System

If you lost a loved one due to an accident at their workplace—regardless of whether the accident involved one of the Fatal Four—you may qualify for compensation under Washington’s workers’ compensation system. These death benefits are designed to offer financial assistance to eligible family members, helping alleviate some of the economic hardships that follow a tragic loss.

For your family to recover death benefits, the fatal accident must have occurred at work. These benefits are typically paid to the surviving spouse and minor children of the deceased worker; other dependents may qualify for support in certain situations.

According to RCW 51.32.050, the typical death benefits package includes the following components:

• An immediate lump sum payment equivalent to the state’s average monthly wage to help cover urgent expenses
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses that amount to no more than 200% of the state’s average monthly wage
• Ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on a percentage of the deceased worker’s average monthly earnings, which increases based on the number of dependents

Benefits of Hiring a Washington Workplace Fatality Lawyer

After the loss of a loved one, navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming. This is where the support of a Washington workplace fatality lawyer can be invaluable. An attorney can guide your family through the process of securing financial support, and shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one.

A lawyer can provide many benefits to your family, including:

• Deep Legal Knowledge: An attorney will understand the nuances of Washington’s workers’ compensation laws and can guide your family through the claims process. They will make sure that no crucial details are overlooked or misinterpreted.
• Maximization of Benefits: A lawyer experienced in workplace fatality cases will know how to accurately calculate and pursue the full range of benefits that your family is entitled to. These may include death benefits, burial expenses, and ongoing support for dependents.
• Protection of Your Rights: Without an attorney, workers’ compensation or company representatives could potentially take advantage of your vulnerable situation. Your lawyer will safeguard your family’s interests every step of the way, advocating for fair and just compensation.
• Knowledge of Additional Claims: In some cases, there may be grounds for claims beyond workers’ compensation, such as third-party liability suits. An attorney can identify and pursue these additional avenues for compensation when appropriate.

What to Do If You Lost a Loved One at Work

A workplace fatality can have a devastating impact on the employee’s family. Not only do you need to cope with the emotional impact of the loss, but you may suffer from financial consequences as well.

If you lost a loved one due to a workplace accident, your family may have options to recover compensation. While no amount of money could ever take away what happened, you could file a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit to recover death benefits, funeral expenses, and other losses.

To learn more about your legal options, speak to a Seattle wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you and your family understand what to do next.