Most Common Workplace Hazards: OSHA's "Focus Four" and Beyond

OSHA and global safety bodies consistently identify these as the top hazards causing injuries, fatalities, and lost-time incidents:

The "Focus Four" (Construction) / Universal Top Hazards

1. Falls (Slips, Trips, Falls from Height) — #1 killer in construction; #2 overall. Wet floors, unguarded edges, ladder misuse, poor housekeeping.
2. Struck-By Objects — Falling tools, moving vehicles/equipment, flying debris, collapsing materials.
3. Electrocution / Electrical Hazards — Contact with live lines, damaged cords, improper grounding, arc flash.
4. Caught-In/Between — Trench cave-ins, machinery nip points, equipment rollovers, confined spaces.

Additional High-Frequency Hazards (All Sectors)

• Ergonomic / Musculoskeletal: Repetitive motion, heavy lifting, awkward postures → back injuries, carpal tunnel, tendinitis.
• Chemical Exposure: Solvents, cleaning agents, dusts, fumes → respiratory, dermal, systemic toxicity.
• Fire & Explosion: Flammables, hot work, electrical faults, combustible dust.
• Biological: Bloodborne pathogens, mold, Legionella, zoonoses (healthcare, labs, agriculture).
• Psychosocial: Stress, burnout, harassment, violence, fatigue — rising recognition as critical hazards.
• Noise: Permanent hearing loss (NIHL) — most common occupational disease.

Prevention Hierarchy (NIOSH / ISO 45001)

1. Elimination — Remove the hazard.
2. Substitution — Replace with safer alternative.
3. Engineering Controls — Guardrails, ventilation, machine guarding.
4. Administrative Controls — Procedures, training, rotation, signage.
5. PPE — Last resort: helmets, gloves, respirators, hearing protection.

Effective safety programs address all applicable categories, not just the "Focus Four."