Trends of Fatal Falls in the U.S. Construction Industry

Abstract

Falls are a common cause of fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries in the U.S. construction industry, causing 5,701 deaths among construction workers from 2003 to 2018. The purpose of this study is to examine trends of fatal falls in the construction industry and analyze patterns of fatalities from falls to a lower level among U.S. construction workers from 2011 to 2019. Two large national datasets in the U.S. were analyzed, including the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Population Survey. Findings indicated that the number of fatal injuries in construction continued to increase, and reached 1,102 deaths in 2019, the highest level since 2011. The number of fatalities among Hispanic construction workers were particularly concerning, outpacing their employment growth during this period. Falls to a lower level were largely responsible for the increase in construction fatalities in 2019, as both the number and rate of fatal falls to a lower level increased in 2019 after reductions in 2017 and 2018. To prevent fatal fall injuries in construction, continued and enhanced fall protection efforts are needed.