What Are the Leading Causes of Construction Accidents in the U.S.?

In the construction industry, knowing the main reasons for accidents is vital. Often known as the “Fatal 4” – falls, struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in/between incidents – these factors significantly impact safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. Other consequences of these risks include disability, lost wages, and medical expenses. We must be educated on the risks of this industry for employers and employees to take proper safety precautions.

Fall Accidents

Fall accidents pose a significant threat in the construction industry as the leading cause of construction fatalities, accounting for a staggering 37% of construction-related deaths in 2021. Various scenarios, such as working on scaffolding, ladders, and elevated surfaces, contribute to the risks. Shockingly, most of the construction deaths caused by fall accidents were from a low level. Common fall hazards include a lack of guardrails, underuse of non-slip surfaces, improper fall protection, and unsafe access to scaffold platforms. To address this alarming statistic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates fall protection for construction workers positioned 6 feet or more above the ground.

Electrocution

Electrocution is a prevalent danger on construction sites, with risks like exposed wiring in wet conditions near outlets, contact with overhead power lines, poorly maintained power tools, and lightning strikes. These kinds of accidents contributed to about 8% of construction worker deaths in 2021. Research indicates that construction workers face a four times greater risk of electrocution compared to workers in all other industries combined. More than half of electrical worker electrocutions result from direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment and wiring. For non-electrical workers, contact with power lines, often due to inadequate clearance or failure to de-energize, and improper use of extension cords are common causes of electrocution.

Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents are accidents involving violent contact between objects or equipment and workers. These incidents can be fatal or result in significant injuries, leading to days off work for recovery. In total, 8% of construction deaths in 2021 resulted from struck-by accidents. The three most common struck-by accidents involve vehicles, falling or flying objects, and constructing masonry walls. In 2020, occupational struck-by incidents caused 150 deaths and 14,000 nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.

Caught-In or Between Accidents

Caught-in or between accidents are defined as injuries resulting from being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between objects. These hazards accounted for about 5% of construction worker deaths in 2021, involving incidents like employees getting caught between machines, devices, tools, or trenches. The most common types of caught-in or between accidents include machinery with unguarded moving parts, unprotected excavations and trenches, tipping heavy equipment, collapsing walls during demolition, and working between moving materials and immovable structures or equipment.

How To Practice Construction Work Safely

The construction industry poses unique safety risks to workers and it’s important to know these risks to be prepared with the correct safety gear. With 1 in 5 workplace deaths happening in construction, it’s clear personal protective equipment should be worn at all times. By addressing these common causes, especially through fall protection, electrical safety, and preventing accidents involving objects and equipment, we can make construction sites safer for those building our communities.