Fatal work injuries in the U.S. rose 7% to a preliminary total of 5,190 in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of the total private industry fatalities in 2016, 22.2% were construction fatalities. Deadly injuries among construction trades workers increased 6%, or a total of 991 fatalities, in 2016.
The fatal injury rate for roofing workers increased from 39.7% to 48.6%. In 2016, four categories of accidents—falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and getting caught in or between objects—were responsible for 63.7% of all construction worker deaths.
Falls accounted for 38.7%; struck by an object accounted for 9.4%; electrocutions accounted for 8.3%; and caught in or between objects accounted for 7.3%.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2018
Coalition of mayors around the globe pledge net-zero buildings by 2030
New construction to produce as much energy as it consumes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2018
New White Paper on Metal Panel Fire Safety Released
Has detailed information for insulation, fire safety requirements in U.S., other countries.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2018
Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive
Higher cost of building materials could make rehab a better financial bet.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2018
Metrics should guide strategy for schools seeking LEED certification
Assessing current status helps direct where improvements can have greatest impact.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2018
The 2018 IAPMO solar and swimming pool codes now available
For installation and inspection of public and private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2018
New York’s green roof program needs reform
Despite incentives, few owners add vegetative roofs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2018
Resilience, sustainability emphasized in plans for new 23,000-acre city in the Philippines
“A backup for when Manila fails.”
Codes and Standards | Aug 23, 2018
Cities promote deconstruction of old homes with mixed results
Market factors complicate efforts to recycle material from old structures.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2018
Oregon is first state to change building code to allow tall mass timber buildings
Statewide alternate method allows early technical consideration and approval.
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2018
First mass timber panel made from structural composite lumber gets APA certification
Said to be much more cost effective than CLT options.
