What Is the Leading Cause of Death in Construction Accidents?

Construction is a notoriously dangerous line of work, and there are several different types of dangers that could lead to serious, if not fatal, injuries. In order to keep yourself, and others, safe at work, make sure you know what types of incidents cause the greatest number of construction fatalities, and discover what can be done to prevent them.

The Statistics

In 2017, there were 971 construction deaths across the United States. According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction work is one of the most dangerous types of work anywhere in the United States. In fact, about 20% of all work-related fatalities occurred in construction, which equates to about 1 in every 5 worksite deaths.

Dangerous Types of Accidents

The most dangerous construction incidents are commonly referred to as the “fatal four.” Of all of the construction fatalities that occur each year, research suggests that these four causes contribute to more than half. According to research by OSHA, eliminating these “fatal four” could save more than 500 lives each year.

Within the construction industry, most fatalities are caused by the following types of incidents:

• Falls
• Struck by an object
• Electrocution
• Caught in-between objects

According to research gathered by the Center for Construction Research and Training, worker falls to a lower level were the number one cause of construction fatalities between 1992 and 2015. Electrocution also caused a fair number of fatalities, and, more recently, several other fatalities were caused by transportation accidents that occurred while workers were in motor vehicles.

Do You Have a Case? Call (855) 906-3699

If someone you love was fatally injured while working on a construction site, our firm is prepared to help. We understand how difficult it is to deal with the death of a loved one, especially when that death was sudden and preventable. Our attorneys have ample experience with wrongful death cases, and we know precisely what to do to protect your rights and fight for justice on behalf of your deceased loved one.

To get started on your case, contact BD&J to schedule a free consultation with our firm.