How Common are Accidents in Construction?

I come from a family full of contractors: builders, roofers, and HVACs. My mom and uncle were General contractors, and my ex-husband is a landscaper. They all owned their own companies at one time or another, and I either worked for them as a laborer or was a partner running the marketing and business side of things. Essentially, I know a thing or two about construction accidents, as I also dated a few trade guys back in the day.

I once dated a roofer who had a construction accident in Michigan, slipped on some ice, fell off a roof in November, and did not return to work until the following December. He incurred injuries that were so debilitating that he had to take his employer to court for workers’ compensation benefits. On the flip side of that, when I owned a trade company, we had to carry a lot of insurance and pay an astronomical amount in workers’ compensation. I can see now how that makes sense; there’s a lot of liability for construction company owners.

The construction industry has some of the highest occurrences of accidents, as would be expected. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. Just over one-third of construction deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. Of these, almost all were from falls to a lower level. The construction industry accounted for 46.2 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2021,”.

Okay, obviously, roofers are at a high risk of getting seriously injured, but I really did not see a whole lot of “dangerous” working situations in landscaping. Well, besides working with trees, that’s a whole different beast than planting flowers or laying down brick pavers. Then what other trades are at risk of injury?

What trade has the highest injury rate?

In order to find accurate data on this, we went back to the BLS:         

Logging workers                                                               54

Roofers                                                                                105

Fishing and hunting workers                                      16

Helpers, construction trades                                    20

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers                           72

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers                 1115

Refuse and recyclable material collectors          22

Structural iron and steel workers                             14

Underground mining machine operators             8

Miscellaneous agricultural workers                       146

Wow, I can say those are not the numbers I expected to see. Looks like truckers have the worst numbers by far! It’s interesting to think that my uncle, who was once a finish carpenter who owned a general contracting company, now owns a trucking company and does a lot of his runs when his guys do not show up. You’d think driving trucks wouldn’t be as risky as, say, scaling rooftops or logging, but a closer look explains the risks involved.

Trucking, despite its seemingly routine appearance, entails a multitude of hazards. Prolonged periods spent behind the wheel can lead to significant physical strain, contributing to musculoskeletal disorders. This is often due to bad postures, limited movements, and inadequate ergonomics in truck cabins. Moreover, the sheer volume of traffic, unpredictable weather conditions, and tight delivery schedules expose truck drivers to a high risk of road accidents.

Fatigue also plays a significant role. Truck drivers often work long, irregular hours, which can lead to sleep deprivation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatigued driving is hazardous and contributes to many vehicular accidents. Additionally, truckers who drive through varying time zones can experience disrupted sleep patterns, further exacerbating the issue.

Loading and unloading cargo is another risk area. Truck drivers often handle heavy freight, and improper lifting techniques can cause physical injuries. Drivers may also have to deal with poorly secured loads that can shift unexpectedly, creating dangerous situations.

Furthermore, truckers face risks from the nature of their loads. Hazardous materials require careful and precise handling to avoid exposure to dangerous substances. Even with general freight, navigating through uneven terrains and construction zones can cause accidents.

What are the 4 main causes of construction accidents?

Construction workplace injuries are so common and severe that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed courses in a training packet for employees and business owners to educate themselves in an effort to reduce fatalities. Below is an outline of  the “fatal four” lessons:

“Structure of Focus Four Lessons

Construction Focus Four Module consists of four lessons:

1. Fall Hazards
2. Struck-By Hazards
3. Caught–In or –Between Hazards
4. Electrocution Hazards,”.

It cannot be overstated if you own a contracting company or work in construction, including trucking. Be sure to understand all of the hazards, plan ahead, be prepared, and be alert at all times, as your life literally depends on it. In fact, let’s dive a little deeper to be sure it is understood thoroughly.

Fall Hazards often occur due to inadequate protective measures like guardrails or harnesses. Regular training on the correct use and maintenance of fall protection equipment is essential.

Struck-by hazards frequently result from moving vehicles or falling objects. Utilizing high-visibility clothing and barriers can mitigate these risks.

Caught-in or –Between Hazards typically involve machinery or collapsing structures; ensuring equipment is in good working condition and creating a safe environment could prevent such incidents.

Electrocution Hazards arise from improper electrical setup or contact with live wires. Adhering to proper wiring practices and ensuring regular safety checks can save lives.

To make sure we really drive this point home, let’s get another expert’s thoughts on this. The Texas Department of Insurance suggests the following, “Fortunately, the “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction deaths – falls, stuck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in or -between — are preventable by using these tips. OSHA Fatal Four – falls, caught-in-between, struck-by, and electrocution

• Use fall protection.
• Falls caused 37% of construction deaths in 2021. OSHA standards require fall protection any time a construction worker is 6 feet or more above the ground.
• Ground or double-insulate all electrical equipment.
• Know the greatest risk of being struck by an object on a job site.
• Use strict safety precautions when surrounded by moving vehicles, unguarded heavy equipment, or cave-in hazards,”.

How common are accidents in construction?

In conclusion, the importance of stringent safety protocols and comprehensive insurance is life-saving. When considering these factors, it makes sense why industries invest heavily in safety training and why worker’s compensation is a critical element of labor rights. As someone with ties to both construction and trucking, understanding these injury rates underscores the importance of ensuring safety across all sectors.