Despite advancements in safety practices and equipment, the construction industry still faces a significant challenge with high rates of fatal and non-fatal accidents. It holds the unfortunate distinction of having the most workplace deaths compared to other sectors. This situation underscores the urgent need for ongoing enhancements in safety measures to reduce construction accidents. 
To underline the critical need for improved safety on construction sites, here’s a collection of 41 key statistics. These statistics shed light on various aspects of construction safety as of 2024, including the number of fatal and non-fatal injuries, the financial impact of these injuries, and the effectiveness of safety training in the industry.
Fatal Construction Industry Statistics
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction accidents. OSHA explains that a fall hazard is anything on a worksite that might make someone lose their balance or support, leading to a fall.
- Construction has the second-most workplace deaths, topped only by truck driving.
- Nearly one in every five workers who die on the job in the U.S. are in construction.
- Construction-related deaths increased by 11% between 2021 and 2022.
- Of the Hispanic or Latino workers born outside the U.S. who died in 2022, over 300 were in construction.
- In 2022, over a thousand construction workers died while working.
- About 1% of construction workers experience a fatal injury each year, the highest rate in any industry.
- Falls, being struck by equipment, getting caught between objects, and electrocutions are the top causes of death in construction, accounting for 65% of all fatalities.
- In 2022, falls, slips, and trips were the top causes of death in construction, accounting for 423 of the 1,056 total deaths.
- Deaths from falls, slips, and trips in construction slightly increased by 1.8% in 2022.
- After falls, transportation accidents are the next most common cause of death in construction work.
- About 15% of construction deaths are caused by being struck by objects.
- Being hit by objects is a significant cause of death in construction, just like falls.
- Electrocutions account for over 7% of construction deaths.
- 5.4% of deaths in construction happen from being caught in or between objects.
- The construction industry has the highest number of deaths that could have been prevented.
Non-Fatal Construction Injuries 
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the country, with workers facing a high risk of fatal injuries despite making up a small portion of the total workforce. These statistics provide insights into nonfatal injuries in construction.
- Every year, 1 in 100 construction workers gets injured severely enough to need time off work.
- In 2022, 169,600 injuries and illnesses were reported in the construction industry.
- Construction had the third-highest reported workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022.
- Construction workers had 4.5 million injuries requiring medical advice in 2022, more than any other industry.
- Over one-fourth of construction workers admit to not reporting a work-related injury.
- Construction workers between 25 and 34 years old are the most likely to be injured at work.
- In 2023, over half of construction workers were exposed to dangerous noise levels.
- About 7% of construction workers had tinnitus in 2023.
- In 2023, around a quarter of construction workers exposed to loud noise at work had some hearing loss.
- 25. In 2023, 16% of construction workers exposed to noise on the job had hearing loss in both ears.
Cost of Construction Injuries
The cost of construction related injuries is a significant and often overlooked aspect of the construction industry. It encompasses not only the direct expenses related to medical treatments and workers' compensation but also the indirect costs such as lost productivity, training replacement workers, and potential legal fees. This financial burden highlights the importance of adequate safety measures and protocols to mitigate the high risk of injuries in construction sites.
- Each year, deaths from construction accidents in the U.S. result in costs of around $5 billion, including healthcare, lost wages, impacts on family members' lives, and reduced productivity.
- The total cost of injuries at work sites surpasses $170 billion annually.
- Claims for workers' compensation due to non-fatal falls in construction add up to $2.5 billion every year.
- In 2023, about 2.2% of construction workers were off work due to injuries or illnesses.
- OSHA's fines for safety breaches range from $15,625 to $156,259.
- In 2022, Alj Home Improvement in New York faced one of the largest proposed fines for safety violations, totaling $1.3 million.
Safety Training Statistics
Safety Training Statistics in the construction industry play a pivotal role in understanding and enhancing workplace safety. These statistics offer insights into the effectiveness of safety training programs, the frequency and types of training provided, and the correlation between safety training and reducing construction accidents and injuries on site. They highlight areas where training is successful and identify gaps where additional or improved training could significantly reduce risks.
- OSHA states that for every dollar spent on safety programs, construction companies save about $4 to $6.
- In 2021, the average cost for a medically consulted injury was $42,000, and the price per death was about $1.34 million.
- Construction companies typically spend 3.6% of their budget on injury costs but only 2.6% on safety training.
- While 62% of construction workers work at heights, only about 31% regularly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Around 60% of workers in construction work near moving machinery, but only 3.8% are fully protected from all risks by their PPE.
- Most construction workers can't fully avoid exposure to harmful substances, even with PPE.
- 67% of construction workers believe there's a greater emphasis on productivity than on safety at their workplace.
- 55% of construction workers think they need more safety training, and 25% are concerned about getting injured daily.
- OSHA safety certifications, which can take 10 to 30 hours to complete, cost between $60 and $180.
- Over 60% of accidents in construction happen in the employee’s first year, emphasizing the importance of early and practical safety training.
Health and Safety Hazards in Construction
Construction sites, where structures are built or renovated, are filled with large machinery, exposure to hazardous materials, and require work from various heights. They are dynamic environments with unique safety challenges. Understanding and addressing these hazards is crucial to avoid construction accidents.
1. Working at Height
Falls from height are the most common cause of deadly accidents in construction. Workers must often operate on ladders, scaffolding, or roofs, making safety training essential. Implementing effective fall prevention measures is a crucial part of site safety.
2. Moving Objects
Construction sites are bustling with moving vehicles and machinery, especially on uneven ground. This movement creates a risk for workers and necessitates strict safety protocols. Using barriers and clear separation between machinery and personnel helps reduce accidents.
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls
These are among the most common accidents on construction sites, often caused by cluttered or poorly maintained areas. Ensuring that the site is well-organized and clean can significantly reduce these hazards. Regular site inspections and maintenance are essential for preventing such accidents.
4. Mental Health
Mental health issues, including a high risk of suicide, are prevalent among construction workers due to industry pressures and stressful work conditions. There is an urgent need for increased awareness and support for mental health in the construction sector. Addressing this issue is as important as physical safety measures.
5. Noise
Excessive noise at construction sites can lead to hearing problems and distracted workers, increasing the risk of accidents. Regular noise risk assessments are necessary to identify potential hazards. Implementing noise reduction strategies and protective equipment is vital for worker safety.
6. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Prolonged use of vibrating tools in construction can cause hand-arm vibration Syndrome, affecting nerves and blood vessels. Planning to reduce vibration exposure and regular health monitoring are vital in preventing this condition. Providing appropriate protective equipment and training is also essential.
7. Material Handling
Moving materials manually or with machinery carries risks of injury. Proper training in manual handling techniques and the safe operation of lifting equipment is crucial. Ensuring that all lifting equipment is appropriate and regularly inspected is a part of maintaining safety.
8. Airborne Fibers and Materials
Construction work often generates dust that can harm the lungs, including dangerous materials like asbestos. Protecting workers from these respiratory risks requires effective dust control measures. Regular health monitoring and appropriate protective gear are critical for preventing lung diseases.
The State of Construction Safety in 2024
Overall site safety remains a critical concern, marked by ongoing challenges and progress. Despite advancements in technology and stricter safety regulations, the industry continues to grapple with high rates of injuries and fatalities, emphasizing the need for more robust safety protocols and training. The year has seen a continued focus on enhancing protective measures, such as the widespread adoption of personal protective equipment and the integrating of digital tools for risk assessment and training.
Investing more in safety training is vital in making construction sites safer. Teaching workers basic safety methods, like using three points of contact to prevent falls, can help reduce the most common cause of injuries and deaths in construction. It's also crucial for workers to know how to operate machinery like aerial lifts and cranes safely to avoid accidents from falling objects or collisions. Additionally, better communication, such as clear safety plans and specific hand signals, can significantly reduce the amount of construction accidents and improve overall safety.
Trust Claris Design•Build to Prioritize Safety and Excellence in Construction!
Choose Claris Design•Build for unparalleled commitment to safety in your construction projects. As we navigate the challenges in construction for 2024, trust us to prioritize the well-being of every worker and the integrity of each structure. Our adherence to stringent safety protocols, continuous investment in advanced training, and use of the latest safety technologies set us apart in the industry.
By partnering with Claris Design•Build, you're not just choosing a construction service; you're opting for a promise of safety, quality, and excellence.
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