Last Updated on October 4, 2024

What Type of Accident Kills Most Construction Workers?

Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers in the United States. Of the 1,056 fatalities in 2022 among construction and extraction workers, 423 deaths were a result of falls, slips, and trips. More than 90% of these deadly incidents involved workers falling to a lower level.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies falls as one of the "Fatal Four” hazards in construction, along with struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents.

If you suffer a fall injury due to inadequate protection, you might be entitled to compensation beyond what workers' comp provides if your employer fails to follow safety regulations.

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The #1 Killer on Construction Sites

From 2014 to 2021, about 1000 workers every year lost their lives from fall accidents. Despite OSHA's continued outreach, compliance, and enforcement efforts, falls remain a leading cause of worker fatalities.

Falls to a lower level, also known as elevated falls or falls from heights, are particularly deadly, while same-level falls occur when a worker slips or trips on the same walking or working surface.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that falls to a lower level claimed 397 lives in 2022. Between 2011 and 2022, the number of fatal falls to a lower level increased by 52.7%.

Examining fall heights, a third (33.6%) of fatal falls to a lower level occurred from heights of 15 feet or less (in from 2011 to 2018). While falls from 16 to 25 feet and 26 feet or higher each accounted for 26.5% of these incidents. The majority (83.4%) of fatal falls in construction occurred from heights greater than 10 feet.

You're most at risk of a deadly fall if you:

  • Work in roofing, with roofers accounting for the most fall deaths among construction sub sectors in 2022
  • Are employed by a small company with ten or fewer employees, which saw 70% of fatal falls from 2011-2022
  • Are a contracted worker, making up nearly 2/3 of fall deaths in that period
  • Work during late morning hours, when the average number of fatal falls per hour is at its highest

The Most Common Causes of Falls in Construction

Several factors contribute to the high number of falls in the construction industry. Your employer is responsible for keeping you safe from the following fall hazards:

  1. Unprotected edges and openings

You can easily fall from unguarded edges on roofs, floors, or platforms, and unprotected wall openings or holes.

  1. Improper scaffold construction

Scaffolding that's not put up, secured, or maintained correctly can collapse, causing you to fall.

  1. Unsafe ladder use

Falls from ladders happen when they're not positioned right, not secured, or used unsafely (like reaching too far or carrying heavy loads).

  1. Lack of fall protection equipment

When your employer doesn't give you suitable fall arrest systems, safety nets, or guardrails – or you don't use them – your risk of falling skyrockets.

  1. Poor housekeeping

Cluttered, slippery, or unstable walking surfaces can cause workers to slip, trip, and fall.

  1. Inadequate training

Accidents are likely to happen when contractors don't properly train their workers on fall hazards, safe work practices, and the correct use of fall protection equipment.

  1. Rushed or careless behavior

When you're under pressure to work fast, you might take risks or skip safety steps, leading to falls.

If you think unsafe conditions or practices are putting you at risk, tell your supervisor and safety officer right away. If your employer doesn't fix the dangers and you fall because of it, talk to a construction accident lawyer. They can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Your Employer's Duty to Protect You from Falls

OSHA has established clear regulations for fall protection in the construction industry.  Your employer must follow these guidelines and provide fall protection when you work at heights of 6 feet or more.

This includes:

  • Providing appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, and guardrails
  • Ensuring proper installation and maintenance of scaffolding and other elevated work platforms
  • Training workers on fall prevention techniques and the correct use of safety equipment
  • Conducting regular safety inspections to identify and address potential fall hazards

Failure to comply with OSHA regulations can result in citations, fines, and legal liability for employers. More importantly, neglecting fall prevention measures puts workers' lives at risk.

What to Do After a Fall on a Construction Site

If you have been injured in a fall at work, your top priority is getting medical attention. Get a thorough exam done to document your condition and ensure proper treatment.

Next, report the accident to your supervisor in writing and request an incident report. This documentation is critical if you need to file a workers' comp claim or take legal action.

Before you give any statements or sign anything related to the accident, consult with a construction accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, help you face the claims process, and determine if you have a case against your employer or other parties for additional compensation.

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Struggling After a Construction Fall Injury?

If your employer's negligence led to your injury, they could be liable. Let our expert attorneys fight for your rights.

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How Our Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you're hurt in a fall, you need an advocate who knows the law and will stand up to your employer and the insurance company. 

At the Porter Law Group, our dedicated construction accident attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers like you.

When you work with us, we will:

  • Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine all liable parties
  • Gather evidence to support your claim, including safety records, witness statements, and expert testimony
  • Fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages
  • Provide compassionate guidance and support throughout the legal process

Speak to a Construction Fall Accident Lawyer Today

Falls are a tragic but preventable reality in the construction industry, accounting for a significant portion of worker fatalities each year.

However, You shouldn't have to pay the price for your employer's negligence.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction fall, contact the Porter Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Reach out to us online or call us toll-free at 833-PORTER9. You may also email info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free case review. 

Our expert construction accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Written By
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
Legally Reviewed on October 4, 2024
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney
Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Michael S. Porter on October 4, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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