The “Focus Four” is an OSHA developed program used to create awareness of specific hazards in the construction industry. By taking a proactive approach to risk management and safety, employers can keep their workers safe.
Fall Hazards
What are they? A fall hazard is anything that could cause a worker to lose balance and result in a fall.
Workers should:
- Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment.
- Install and maintain perimeter protection.
- Cover and secure floor openings, and label floor opening covers.
- Use ladders and scaffolds safely.
Caught-in or -between Hazards
What are they? A caught-in or -between hazard occurs when a person becomes caught, squeezed, crushed, pinched or compressed between two or more objects, or parts of an object.
Workers should:
- Never enter an unprotected trench 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place.
- Make sure trenches and excavations are protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.
Struck-by Hazards
What are they? Struck-by hazards exist when a worker can be injured by contact or impact by an object or piece of equipment.
Workers should:
- Never position themselves between moving and fixed objects.
- Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment and vehicles.
- Stay alert of heavy equipment, and stay clear of lifted or suspended loads.
Electrocution Hazards
What are they? Electrocution occurs when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.
Workers should:
- Locate and identity utilities before starting work.
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any type of equipment.
- Inspect all electrical equipment before use, and take damaged equipment out of service.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters with power tools.
