Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, with workers facing daily risks from heights, heavy equipment, and unpredictable job site conditions. What is the most common cause of death in construction work? The answer is falls. These tragic incidents, along with struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-in or caught-between incidents, make up what OSHA calls the “Fatal Four.”
Together, they are responsible for the majority of construction-related deaths, many of which are preventable. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we have seen the impact these tragedies have on families in Minnetonka and across Minnesota, and we are committed to helping protect workers’ rights when accidents happen.
OSHA identifies four main hazards contributing to the highest number of construction fatalities nationwide. They are falls, struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-in or caught-between accidents. Collectively, these incidents account for more than half of all construction worker deaths each year.
These percentages reveal the staggering toll of the Fatal Four. According to OSHA, addressing these dangers through training, safety equipment, and enforcement could save hundreds of lives annually.
The challenge is that many construction sites operate on tight deadlines, which sometimes leads to corners being cut. Safety regulations, however, are not optional. They exist to prevent tragedies and ensure that workers return home at the end of the day.
Falls remain the top cause of construction-related deaths in Minnesota and across the country. In 2023, there were 421 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,075 construction fatalities nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and they are preventable.
Common causes of fatal falls include:
Minnesota job sites often involve working during cold and icy conditions, which can heighten the risk of slipping and falling. Employers must proactively address weather-related hazards, especially in Minnetonka and other parts of the state where snow and ice are a factor for much of the year.
Additional resources, including OSHA’s Stop Falls campaign, highlight practical steps to prevent devastating accidents.
Struck-by accidents are another leading cause of fatalities. These occur when workers are hit by moving vehicles, falling tools, or heavy machinery. Approximately 75% of struck-by deaths involve equipment such as trucks or cranes.
Examples of struck-by hazards include:
Minnesota’s busy construction season often overlaps with road repair projects, which places workers at greater risk of being struck by vehicles in traffic zones. The OSHA struck-by safety guide provides detailed information on reducing these risks.
Employers should ensure proper training, communication, and the use of protective barriers to minimize these dangers. In addition, high-visibility clothing and flaggers are critical in preventing road work accidents.
Electrocutions remain a significant hazard in construction. Contact with live wires, overhead power lines, or faulty equipment can result in fatal injuries. Even low-voltage exposure can cause life-threatening shocks. Workers in Minnesota face risks when handling unfinished electrical systems, using defective tools, or working near energized circuits.
Preventive measures include proper grounding, de-energizing circuits before work, and ensuring that only qualified workers handle electrical systems. Employers who fail to follow these protocols may be held liable for negligence, especially when an electrocution leads to a serious injury or fatality. In addition to these steps, jobsite supervisors should implement routine inspections, verify that protective gear such as insulated gloves is available, and create clear communication protocols when electrical work is underway. These added precautions make a meaningful difference in reducing risks.
Caught-in or caught-between accidents occur when workers are pinned between heavy equipment, buried in trench collapses, or crushed by collapsing structures. These types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or death.
Ways to prevent caught-in accidents include:
Minnesota construction sites often involve excavation for foundations and underground utilities. Collapses can occur suddenly when soil is unstable or trenches are not adequately reinforced.
Prevention requires strict adherence to safety standards, regular inspections, and planning. Even a brief oversight can have devastating consequences.
When a worker suffers a serious injury or fatality on a construction site, Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to provide financial protection. Injured workers should notify their employer immediately, document the accident, and seek medical attention. Families of workers who lose their lives may be eligible for death benefits.
A Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer can help injured workers and their families pursue the benefits they are entitled to, including coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation services, and survivor benefits.
It is also important to recognize that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that benefits may be available regardless of who caused the accident. Still, insurance companies sometimes deny or limit claims, leaving workers and families struggling during an already difficult time. Legal guidance ensures that rights are protected and that claims are handled fairly.
Construction accidents are life-changing, but you do not need to face the aftermath alone. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we are fully committed to advocating for injured workers and families across Minnetonka and Minnesota.
Call us today at (952) 473-4530 to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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