What Are the Leading Causes of Fatalities in Construction Accidents?

The National Safety Council estimates that 954 people fatalities occurred in construction work accidents and an additional 42,151 people sustained injuries in 2021. Victims of construction accidents sustain severe injuries, leading to a reduced quality of life.

Fortunately, personal injury laws allow injured victims and their families to obtain compensation from the at-fault party. In order to file a successful insurance claim or lawsuit, a construction accident victim should demonstrate the liability of the at-fault party.

More importantly, consider speaking to a trusted construction accident attorney for legal guidance and support as you pursue damages for injury or wrongful death-related losses.

Leading Causes of Injuries and Fatalities in Construction Accidents

Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in construction sites since many construction projects involve working from elevated heights. Regular use of ladders, elevated platforms, and scaffolding exposes construction workers to an increased risk of fall accidents.

Unstable surfaces also expose construction workers to fatal fall injuries. Fall hazards associated with susceptible surfaces include uneven terrain, wet floors, and slippery surfaces.

Fall injuries that cause fatalities include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries

Electrocution

According to CDC estimates, 105 electricians died due to electrocution from 2011 to 2015, higher than any other occupation in the construction industry. Other construction workers at an increased risk of electrocution include roofers, heating and air conditioning technicians, plumbers, supervisors, and general laborers.

A significant number of electrocutions of electrical workers were caused by direct contact with live electrical equipment or wiring. Sometimes, electrocution occurs because of the temporary use of power during renovation and construction.

Construction workers can reduce the risk of electrocution by applying caution near high-electric lines, de-energizing equipment before inspection and repair, and adequately maintaining tools and equipment.

Caught Between Accidents

A caught-between accident occurs when a construction worker is trapped between two heavy pieces of machinery or objects. Caught-between accidents result in severe injuries that cause strangulation, amputation, crashing of body parts, or death.

Here are a few examples of caught-between accidents:

• A construction worker who is trapped in a soil trench cave-in
• A plumber trapped under a collapsing, poorly designed-wall
• A warehouse worker is trapped between a wall and a truck

Vehicle Accidents

Construction workers are at risk of construction vehicle accidents involving graders, forklifts, cranes, and pick-up trucks. For instance, a grader may roll over due to reckless driving or failure to pay attention to road hazards.

Construction workers are also exposed to back-over accidents when a vehicle strikes a worker standing, walking, or kneeling behind. Distracted truck operators can also run over construction workers or collide with other vehicles.

Addressing the Most Common Hazards Leading to Fatalities in Construction

The leading cause of construction accident fatality in the U.S. is falls, which account for over a third of all construction-related deaths. Still, other significant dangers—including being struck by objects, electrocutions, and caught in/between incidents—also pose a serious risk to workers. Together, these “Fatal Four” hazards identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are responsible for over 60% of construction-related fatalities annually.

Here’s a breakdown of the four most frequent hazards that lead to fatalities in construction:

• Falls: The top cause of fatalities, often due to inadequate safety measures like missing guardrails or faulty ladders.
• Struck-by incidents: Workers being hit by falling tools, materials, or heavy equipment.
• Electrocutions: Contact with exposed wiring, live circuits, or power lines.
• Caught-in/between hazards: Individuals being crushed by collapsing trenches, walls, or machinery.

Despite strict regulations, many construction deaths are preventable. Lack of proper safety equipment, insufficient training, and employer negligence remain contributing factors. For employers, following OSHA’s Focus Four Training guidelines is critical to protecting workers’ lives.

Falls Are the Leading Cause of Death in Construction

Falls remain the leading cause of construction accident fatalities in the U.S., accounting for 36.4% of all construction-related deaths in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes fall prevention the top priority for safety experts, as they typically occur from unprotected heights, scaffolding, ladders, and roofs.

Key statistics on fall-related fatalities include:

• 378 construction workers died from falls in 2021, per BLS data.
• Falls from scaffolding accounted for nearly 40% of all fatal falls.
• The majority of fatal falls occur at heights over 15 feet, usually from unprotected edges or improperly secured platforms.

To address this issue, OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection systems, such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems, as well as adequate training on how to use them. Organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) emphasize the importance of safety planning and regular inspections to prevent these tragic incidents.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down campaign further promotes awareness by encouraging employers to stop work and discuss fall dangers with their teams. Those who fail to comply with safety regulations may be held legally accountable for injuries or deaths caused by falls.

Construction Site Owners are Responsible for Worker Safety

Under federal law, construction site owners are legally required to maintain safe working conditions for all site workers. They must verify compliance with OSHA regulations and take steps to mitigate hazards before work begins. Failure to uphold these responsibilities can result in serious accidents, exposing site owners to liability.

Critical responsibilities of site owners include:

• Conducting safety assessments: Identifying dangers such as unstable scaffolding, exposed power lines, or unprotected trenches.
• Providing safety equipment: Helmets, harnesses, fall arrest systems, and other protective gear must be readily available.
• Guaranteeing OSHA compliance: Regularly monitoring workers and subcontractors to enforce safety standards.
• Mitigating risks during construction: For example, securing loose tools and equipment to prevent struck-by accidents.

In cases where construction site owners or contractors neglect these responsibilities, injured workers or their families may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced construction accident attorney can help identify liable parties and build a strong case for recovery.

Other Potential Health Hazards Faced by Construction Workers

While falls, electrocutions, and other immediate risks are considered the leading causes of fatalities in construction accidents, workers also face numerous long-term health hazards that can significantly impact their quality of life. These include exposure to dangerous materials, repetitive strain injuries, and noise-induced hearing loss.

Common health hazards include:

• Exposure to Toxic Substances: Construction workers may be exposed to silica dust, asbestos, lead paint, and other harmful materials, leading to chronic illnesses such as silicosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. Without proper respirators or ventilation systems, prolonged exposure can cause irreversible damage to workers’ respiratory health.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Tasks requiring heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or awkward postures often lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Over time, these can result in chronic conditions such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or back disorders.
• Hearing Damage: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery like drills and jackhammers, without proper ear protection, can cause permanent hearing loss. OSHA requires employers to implement noise control measures for individuals exposed to sounds over 85 decibels.
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Working outdoors in extreme heat, especially during summer months, puts workers at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Heat illness prevention programs, as recommended by OSHA, are fundamental to protecting worker health in high-temperature environments.

Employers must address these risks by providing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing job rotation schedules to reduce strain, and offering regular safety training. Proper hazard management ensures workers’ long-term health and reduces employers’ liability.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured At a Construction Site?

If you are injured at a construction site, act immediately to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a doctor to document your condition and begin treatment.
• Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor or employer immediately, and make sure the incident is officially documented. Keep a copy for your records.
• Document Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident site, hazards, and any faulty equipment. If possible, collect witness statements.
• Consult an Experienced Attorney: A construction accident lawyer can help you after being injured at work.

Get Legal Help From an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional anguish. You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced attorney who’ll aggressively represent your interest.

The Barnes Firm has over 500 combined years of experience, which gives us the necessary knowledge to represent you. Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Construction Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
Oakland Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction Accident Attorney San Diego
San Francisco Construction Accident Lawyer
San Jose Construction Accident Lawyer
New York Construction Accident Attorney
Bronx Construction Accident Attorney
Queens Construction Accident Lawyer
Buffalo Construction Accident Attorney
Rochester Construction Accident Lawyer
Long Island Construction Accident Lawyer

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes