The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) in a recent report revealed the number of fatal construction caught-in and caught-between injuries increased 33 percent from 2011 to 2015, exceeding the overall 26 percent increase in construction fatalities for that same period, according to www.constructiondive.com.
From 2011 to 2015, 275 construction workers were killed in caught-in/between incidents, which is more workers killed than in any other major industry. Nearly 67 percent of those who died were caught or crushed in a collapse of materials. Of the nonfatal caught-in/between incidents, 93 percent of injuries were caused by equipment or other objects.
The iron working trade had the most fatalities during the period studied, and helpers had the highest nonfatal injury rate. Older construction workers were at a greater risk of dying in a caught-in/between accident, and those under age 20 were at a high risk of experiencing fatal and nonfatal incidents.
Along with falls, struck-by incidents and electrocutions, caught-in/between accidents are part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Focus Four initiative.
In December 2017, the CPWR also reported that more than 800 construction workers between 2011 and 2015 died in struck-by incidents. Nearly 18 percent of the workers who were killed were hit by a vehicle, and 57 percent of those accidents happened in a construction work zone. Of those struck by something other than a vehicle, 51 percent of fatalities were caused by falling objects or equipment.
OSHA says falls still are the biggest cause of accidental death on construction job sites, and fall protection was the most-cited construction industry violation on OSHA's most recent annual list. To reduce the number of falls on construction sites and send a message to contractors who violate the agency's fall-protection standards, OSHA continues to cite and fine offenders, recently punishing construction firms with hefty fines for violations.
The NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety addresses OSHA requirements and safe work practices related to hazards workers face in the roofing industry. For more information, click here.
