Considering the hazard level, what accident kills the most construction workers? According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, one in every five construction workers dies in accidents on the job. While all types of accidents in the construction industry can be deadly, one of the most frequent is struck-by-object incidents. This type of fatality usually involves heavy equipment. In addition, 7% of all construction workers die as a result of falling objects or collapsing structures.
Falling is the leading cause of death for construction workers. Falls account for nearly one-third of all fatal construction accidents. Falling objects can come from any distance, including ladders and floors. Falls from these objects can happen because they swing or roll and can also trap construction workers between two objects. Other accidents that cause fatalities include moving equipment and heavy construction machinery. Listed below are some of the most common construction worker deaths.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2019 report, revealing that 1,061 construction workers died on the job in 2019. This is the highest number in nine years, and represents more than 15 fatalities per day on average. Construction workers account for one out of every five workers. According to the report, the number of construction worker fatalities increased by 6% in 2019. And Hispanic workers were particularly hard-hit, with their fatality rate jumping by 89.8 during the nine-year period, despite a 55% increase in employment.
Crushing is another major cause of death for construction workers. Crushing injuries can be deadly if a construction worker becomes trapped between two objects. A fall can occur because the worker’s clothing gets caught between two pieces of equipment, or an object slides onto the worker. Crushing injuries also result from collapsed scaffolding or unprotected excavation sites. The OSHA requires the use of protective equipment to minimize the risk of injury and death.
Fall hazards cause nearly a third of construction worker fatalities. In 2009, falling from a roof was the leading cause of fall injuries. The second most common cause of fall accidents was being hit by an object or caught between objects. Ironworkers were particularly vulnerable to falling accidents. This makes it vital to know about the various fall hazards in construction projects. And make sure you follow all safety guidelines to ensure that no construction worker is hurt on the job.
Falls are among the most common construction accidents, accounting for almost 40 percent of construction worker deaths. The hazards can include unprotected roof edges, a falling object, a poorly constructed scaffolding, or a trench. All these are potential fall hazards, and proper training and safety equipment are critical to preventing them. The OSHA reports that falls were the leading cause of construction fatalities in 2016, and are a common hazard on construction sites.
According to the OSHA, four major types of construction accidents are the most common causes of death for construction workers. They include electrocutions, falls, and being struck by an object. Those four accidents account for over 60 percent of construction workers’ deaths every year, resulting in 14 deaths a day. These are the top 4 types of accidents that claim the lives of thousands of construction workers each year. So, what type of construction accident kills the most?
The number of deaths caused by electrocution in construction workers is high. This type of accident can cause a variety of injuries, from cardiac arrest to burns. Electrocutions are most common in construction sites and account for nine percent of construction worker deaths. One such incident happened in a lettuce packing plant, when a man was cutting a communication cable near the scale. As a result of the electrocution, the man was unable to breathe and died from his injuries.
Electricity is another leading cause of fatalities in construction. Electrical currents can cause burns, electric shock, and even fires and explosions. OSHA has named this the fatal four. Electricity accidents can occur in many hazardous situations. Inadequate lockout and tagout procedures, faulty electrical systems, or faulty electrical components can cause a fatal electrocution. These four are the top four types of construction accident deaths. If these causes were eliminated, the fatality rate would drop to a fraction of what it is now.
