What Are the Deadliest Hazards on Construction Sites?

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the country, and Lawrence County is no exception. From small residential builds to large-scale developments like the Stonecrest Business Park project in New Beaver Borough, workers face life-threatening hazards every day. The deadliest are falls, struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-between incidents. Known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four,” these four hazard types account for nearly two-thirds of all construction deaths nationwide.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C., workers’ compensation lawyers Lawrence M. Kelly and Joseph A. George have represented injured workers throughout Western Pennsylvania for decades. Lawrence Kelly, a Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist and Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2006, leads the firm’s workers’ compensation practice. Whether your injury was caused by a fall, equipment failure, or safety violation, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation and potentially a third-party claim.

This guide explains each of the Fatal Four hazards, the safety requirements that apply under Pennsylvania law, and what to do if you’re injured on a construction site.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, a personal injury lawyer in New Castle can help you understand your options. Call (724) 658-8535 today for a free consultation.

OSHA’s Fatal Four Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tracks the four leading causes of construction deaths. Falls cause the most deaths, followed by struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-between incidents. Together, these four hazards killed 688 workers in 2023, 64% of all construction deaths.

Pennsylvania follows federal OSHA standards plus state-specific requirements. Employers must provide fall protection, guard machinery, and ensure electrical safety. Failure to follow these rules can lead to fines up to $156,259 per violation.

Falls from Heights

Falls are the number one killer on construction sites. In 2023, falls killed 421 construction workers nationwide, amounting to 39% of all construction deaths. Most fatal falls happen from heights between 6 and 30 feet. Portable ladders and stairs caused 109 of these deaths alone.

The injuries from falls are devastating. Workers suffer broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. Many who survive never return to work. A fall from just 10 feet can cause permanent paralysis or death.

Ladders, Scaffolding, and Common Causes of Falls

Ladders and scaffolding cause many deaths. Workers fall when guardrails are missing, safety harnesses aren’t used, or scaffolds collapse. Improperly secured ladders slip or tip over. Scaffolds fail when overloaded or assembled incorrectly. Even experienced workers die in fall accidents when safety equipment is missing or defective.

Pennsylvania Fall Protection Requirements

Under OSHA’s construction safety standards (29 CFR 1926.501), employers must provide fall protection for workers at heights of 6 feet or higher. Employers must provide guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. They must also train workers on the proper use of fall protection equipment. Inspections must occur before each shift to identify hazards. 

In active work zones throughout New Castle and surrounding areas, including commercial projects like the Berner International expansion in Shenango Township, fall protection remains a top concern. Many of these projects involve work at elevation, scaffolding setups, and heavy equipment operation, which all require strict safety compliance.

At UPMC Jameson in New Castle at 1211 Wilmington Avenue, emergency room doctors treat dozens of fall injuries from local construction sites each year. Many workers suffer broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The hospital’s trauma center serves as a critical care facility for serious workplace injuries throughout the region.

Key Takeaway: Falls from 6 feet or higher require protection. Guardrails, safety nets, or harnesses can save your life. Always inspect equipment before use and never work at heights without proper protection.

Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents are the second leading cause of construction site fatalities. These incidents typically involve falling objects, swinging equipment, or moving vehicles. The force from these impacts often causes catastrophic injury or instant death.

Common struck-by hazards include:

• Falling tools or materials, such as a wrench dropped from a height
• Swinging loads, like steel beams, during crane operations
• Moving equipment, including a dump truck, backing into blind spots

In active resurfacing zones like Route 18 in Wilmington Township, it’s common for crews to work within feet of moving equipment and passing traffic. Clear visibility, signaling, and high-visibility gear are critical for preventing struck-by incidents in these dynamic environments.

On Pennsylvania job sites, basic protective gear is mandatory:

• Hard hats, as required by OSHA, must be ANSI-approved to guard against head injuries
• High-visibility vests help operators see nearby workers and reduce the chance of accidental contact
• These straightforward safety measures can significantly reduce fatal accidents, but only when they’re followed and enforced.

For falling object hazards, worksites should include toe boards on scaffolds, tool lanyards at heights, and secure all materials before lifting. Debris nets, overhead canopies, and clearly marked danger zones beneath elevated work help protect ground workers.

Ultimately, struck-by accidents are often entirely preventable. With proper planning, communication, and enforcement of safety protocols, many lives can be saved on construction sites.

Electrocution Hazards

Most fatal electrocution incidents involve contact with overhead power lines, faulty wiring, or the improper use of electrical equipment. Even relatively small amounts of electricity can be deadly, under the right conditions; as little as 50 volts can stop the heart instantly.

Overhead power lines pose some of the greatest risks on construction sites. Workers are frequently killed when cranes, scaffolding, or ladders come into contact with energized lines. A crane boom touching a power line can electrify the entire machine, killing the operator and anyone nearby. Metal ladders are especially dangerous because they conduct electricity directly into the body when contact is made.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) prevent many electrocutions by shutting off power when electrical faults are detected. These devices sense current leakage and cut power in milliseconds. On construction sites, every temporary power outlet must have GFCI protection. Using extension cords or tools without GFCIs significantly increases the risk of fatal shock.

Pennsylvania law also requires strict lockout/tagout procedures to be followed before electrical work commences. Circuits must be fully de-energized and tested before any maintenance or repairs are performed. A qualified electrician should verify that the power is off using proper testing equipment. Never rely on circuit breakers alone or assume power has been disconnected.

To reduce electrocution risks, workers must follow essential safety practices:

• Use double-insulated tools
• Maintain required clearance from overhead power lines
• Follow OSHA’s 10-foot minimum clearance rule for lines up to 50,000 volts
• Increase clearance distances for higher-voltage lines

Construction sites throughout Western Pennsylvania face heightened electrocution risks during both new builds and renovation projects. Older buildings may contain live wiring that appears abandoned, while industrial areas often have extensive overhead power requiring constant vigilance.

Wet conditions dramatically increase electrocution dangers. Water conducts electricity efficiently, making rain, puddles, and damp surfaces especially hazardous. Damaged extension cords with frayed insulation or exposed wires further increase the risk. Electrical tools and cords should be inspected daily for damage before use.

Workers should never assume power is off. Always test circuits before touching electrical equipment. Keep ladders and machinery at least 10 feet from power lines. If equipment contacts a live line, stay inside the cab and call 911 immediately; exiting the equipment can be fatal.

Key Takeaway: Always treat power lines as live. Use GFCIs on all temporary power, follow lockout/tagout procedures, and maintain proper clearance from overhead electrical hazards.

On major infrastructure projects like the East Washington Street bridge replacement in New Castle, crews work around heavy machinery, confined spaces, and shifting traffic zones; conditions where caught-between hazards can develop quickly if safety procedures aren’t followed closely.

Trench Collapses: Silent Killers

Trench collapses are among the deadliest caught-between scenarios. When trench walls fail, that weight comes crashing down in seconds, leaving little chance of survival.

OSHA regulations require cave-in protection for any trench deeper than 5 feet. Employers must implement:

• Trench boxes, sloping, or shoring systems
• Daily inspections by a competent person
• Consideration of soil conditions, nearby traffic, and water saturation
• Workers should never enter an unprotected trench, even for a quick task.

Machinery and Equipment Hazards

Heavy machinery must be equipped with guards that fully enclose moving parts, including gears, belts, chains, and rotating shafts. Workers have died when loose clothing or hair was caught in exposed machinery. All power equipment should be locked out and tagged out before any maintenance or repair work begins.

On active construction sites, additional safety measures include:

• Backup alarms and spotters for all large vehicles
• Avoiding positions between equipment and fixed objects
• Always maintaining a clear escape path

Watching for overhead hazards and moving away immediately if the equipment comes too close

Equipment Rollovers

Rollovers pose a serious risk to both operators and nearby workers. These often result from:

• Operating on unstable or uneven ground
• Working on slopes without proper counterweights
• Neglecting to use seat belts, which are crucial in keeping operators inside the protective cab during a rollover

Workers Compensation Lawyers in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

What to Do If You’re Injured

If you suffer an injury on the job, taking the right steps immediately is critical to protecting your rights and securing compensation.

Report the Injury Immediately

Under Pennsylvania law, you must report your injury to your supervisor within 120 days to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Failing to report on time may result in your claim being denied. Once notified, your employer is required to provide you with a claim form within seven days.

Understand Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § 411), meaning you don’t need to prove your employer was negligent It covers:

• Medical treatment: Doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and durable medical equipment
• Wage replacement: Typically, two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you’re recovering
• Ongoing care: Such as follow-up visits, rehabilitation, or pain management

During the first 90 days after your injury, you must see a medical provider from your employer’s approved list. After that period, you may choose your own doctor. All reasonable and necessary medical expenses must be paid, including emergency care and specialist visits.

Explore Third-Party Injury Claims

In addition to workers’ compensation, you may also be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim if someone outside your employer contributed to your injury. This includes:

• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers
• Subcontractors or general contractors

These claims allow you to recover damages that workers’ comp does not cover, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future lost earning potential

For example, if defective scaffolding caused your fall, you could receive workers’ comp from your employer and also sue the scaffold manufacturer or contractor responsible for site safety.

Work with State Agencies

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation oversees all claims statewide. In Western Pennsylvania, claims are also processed through the State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF) and its Pittsburgh district office. If your claim is denied, the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board handles disputes and appeals.

Document Everything

Strong documentation is essential to support your claim. Immediately after the incident:

• If physically able, take photos of the hazard, accident scene, and your injuries from multiple angles
• Gather witness information, including names and contact details
• Keep medical records, receipts, and pay stubs

Write down your own account of the accident while details are fresh: include the date, time, location, activity, and how the injury occurred

Organize and Save All Records

• Maintain a file with copies of:
• Accident reports
• Medical bills and treatment summaries
• Prescription receipts
• Emails or letters from your employer or their insurance carrier

This documentation will support both workers’ comp claims and any third-party lawsuits you may pursue.

Steps To Do	Key Points (from the article)	Important Timeframes / Notes
Report the Injury Immediately	Report your injury to your supervisor to protect eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. Employer must provide a claim form after being notified.	Report within 120 days. Employer provides claim form within 7 days of notice.
Understand Workers’ Compensation Benefits	Workers’ comp is a no-fault system under PA law and covers medical care, wage replacement, and ongoing care.	Wage replacement is typically 2/3 of average weekly wage. First 90 days: use employer’s approved provider list; after that you may choose your own doctor.
Explore Third-Party Injury Claims	You may have an additional claim if someone outside your employer contributed (e.g., property owners, manufacturers, subcontractors or general contractors).	May recover damages workers’ comp doesn’t cover (e.g., pain and suffering, permanent disability/disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, future lost earning potential).
Work with State Agencies	State agencies oversee claims and handle disputes/appeals.	PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation oversees statewide. In Western PA, claims processed through SWIF (Pittsburgh district office). Appeals handled by the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.
Document Everything	Build evidence right after the incident to support your claim.	Take photos (hazard/scene/injuries), gather witness info, keep medical records/receipts/pay stubs, and write your account (date/time/location/activity/how it happened).
Organize and Save All Records	Keep a dedicated file of all documents tied to the injury and claims.	Save copies of accident reports, medical bills and treatment summaries, prescription receipts, and emails/letters from your employer or their insurance carrier.

Protecting Workers and Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

Construction work will always involve risk, but fatal accidents are not inevitable. Falls, electrocutions, struck-by incidents, and caught-between injuries often happen because safety rules are ignored, equipment is poorly maintained, or proper training is lacking. When employers, contractors, or manufacturers cut corners, workers pay the price with their health, their livelihoods, and sometimes their lives.

If you or a loved one was injured on a construction site, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A workers compensation lawyer can help determine whether workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both are available to you. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C. is committed to standing up for injured workers in New Castle and throughout Western Pennsylvania, helping them pursue the compensation and accountability they deserve after a serious construction accident. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 for a free consultation.