Construction accidents continue to be a leading cause of worker injuries and fatalities. From 2013-2019, there were 464 fatalities in the construction industry, according to a report from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations. The highest number of work-injury fatalities was among workers 45–54 years of age.
Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the top four causes of construction fatalities (often referred to as simply the “Fatal Four”). These four recognized causes of deadly injuries account for about 64 percent of fatal accidents:
- Falling (from one level to another, such as in a scaffolding accident)
- Being struck by a falling object or falling objects
- Being electrocuted
- Caught in/between equipment or objects
In addition to these types of accidents, construction workers face risks when proper safety equipment is not used or strict safety regulations are not followed. Repetitive motions and overexertion can also lead to serious, often debilitating injuries.