Did you know that the U.S. construction industry was worth approximately $1.36 trillion at the conclusion of 2020?
The sector is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining infrastructure. It is, without a doubt, big business. But while the construction industry is a big part of the nation’s economy, there are probably lots of things about it that you don’t know.
This is especially true regarding injuries and fatalities on the job. It’s a tough world out there. Keep reading to learn about construction industry stats that might surprise you.
Two In 10 Worker Deaths Happen In Construction Industry
Were you aware that two in 10 worker deaths, or 20%, in the U.S. happen in the construction industry? But here’s the thing–constructions workers account for a mere 6% of the U.S. labor industry. So, it goes without saying that U.S. construction workers are overrepresented in worker deaths across the country.
The fact that six in 10 construction accidents occur within a worker’s first year of employment underscores the importance of proper training.
It’s clear the industry needs to pull out all the stops to improve worker safety across the sector. No one wants to be another statistic–especially when it’s something so negative.
One in Four Don’t Report Accidents on the Job
Another statistic worth considering is that one in four, or 25%, of construction workers who get injured on the job, don’t actually report the incident to their employers. Another source notes that the four leading causes of construction industry fatalities are:
- Falls
- Electrocutions
- Struck by equipment
- Caught in between objects
If you’re ever injured in a construction accident, don’t make the mistake of staying silent. You need to be like the 75% who actually report accidents that happen on the job. But you shouldn’t stop there. You’ll also want to get sound legal advice from a personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and represent you if necessary. Injuries on the job can result in time off work, severe pain, and high health bills. So, it makes sense to consult with a legal professional who can advise you of your rights.
$170+ Billion in Workplace Loses
According to the National Safety Council, the tally for total workplace injury expenses is north of $170 billion annually. So, injuries in the industry add up to a whopping amount. On a related note, another source indicates that 130,000+ construction workers took time off work on account of sickness or injuries in 2020, which lowered productivity.
1,000+ Died On the Job
Another startling statistic is that more than 1,000 construction workers–1,008 to be exact–died on the job back in 2020. One death is one too many, of course. Time will tell whether better efforts to teach safety in the industry produce tangible results.
Injury and Illness Rates Higher Than In Other Industries
The construction industry’s injury and illness rates were 24% higher than across all sectors on average. Again, this underscores the importance of prioritizing quality training that brings down these rates.
Young Adults Most Likely to Get Injured
Young adults are the most likely workers to get injured on the job. The National Safety Council says that construction workers between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most likely to be hurt at work.
The construction industry contributes to the economic growth of the U.S. But, as you can see, it’s an industry fraught with danger. But with a greater focus on providing ongoing training, the number of accidents and fatalities is bound to decline.
