The Definition of OSHA Focus Four (Fatal Four)

Definition of OSHA Focus Four (Fatal Four)

The OSHA Focus Four, also called the Fatal Four, are the four hazards responsible for most construction worker deaths in the United States: falls, struck-by hazards, caught-in or between hazards, and electrocution. OSHA uses the Focus Four as the core of its construction Outreach training and inspection priorities, because controlling these four hazards prevents the largest share of construction fatalities.

Key Facts About the Focus Four

• Falls are the leading cause of construction deaths, and fall protection is consistently OSHA's most frequently cited standard.
• Struck-by hazards include vehicles, swinging loads, falling tools and flying debris.
• Caught-in or between hazards include trench collapses, unguarded machinery and being pinned between equipment and structures.
• Electrocution hazards include contact with overhead power lines, damaged cords and energized equipment.
• Focus Four hazards are a required part of OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Construction courses.

Example of the Focus Four

Before a building project starts, a contractor's site safety plan addresses each Focus Four hazard: guardrails and harnesses for fall protection, traffic control and hard hats for struck-by hazards, trench shoring for caught-in hazards, and power line clearances and GFCIs for electrocution.

How to Control the Focus Four

• Falls: guardrails, covers over floor openings, personal fall arrest systems and safe ladder use.
• Struck-by: traffic control plans, spotters, toe boards and high-visibility clothing.
• Caught-in or between: trench protective systems, machine guarding and lockout/tagout.
• Electrocution: power line clearances, GFCIs and assured grounding.

Related Terms

• Fall Protection
• Struck-By Hazard
• Caught-In/Between Hazard
• Electrocution

Frequently Asked Questions: OSHA Focus Four

Why is it called the Fatal Four?

Because these four hazards cause the majority of construction worker deaths. OSHA now commonly uses the name Focus Four to emphasize prevention.

Do the Focus Four apply outside construction?

The term comes from construction data, but falls, struck-by, caught-in and electrical hazards are also major causes of injury in general industry, utilities and other sectors.

Which Focus Four hazard is most common?

Falls cause more construction deaths than any of the other three, which is why fall protection gets so much attention in training and inspections.