10 Construction Safety Facts to Share with Your Employees

It’s no secret that safety is a top priority on construction sites. One way to recapture your employees’ attention and make an impact is by including cold, hard data to illustrate the importance of why safety matters.

These ten construction safety facts can help you put precautions and procedures into perspective for your employees.

#1 – Construction Injuries Are More Common Than You Might Think

According to OSHA, about one out of every ten construction workers sustain an injury each year. Many construction companies and workers operate under the idea that injuries don’t happen often, that only those who are disregarding safety rules or not paying attention to their work can become injured. This can serve as an excellent reminder that no one is immune from injury.

#2 – The Chance of Death Throughout a Worker’s Career is 1 in 200

This study shows that throughout a 45-year career in the construction industry, workers have a one out of 200 chance of dying on the job. And, during this same tenure, a worker has a 75% chance of sustaining an injury that will leave them disabled. The study also claims that construction workers are at a greater risk of dying early compared to other industries.

#3 – New Construction Workers Could Be at a Greater Risk of Injury

Data shows that 60% of construction workplace accidents occur within the employee’s first year on the job. There could be a number of factors that contribute to this figure, including lack of training, lack of experience, or a lack of understanding about the safety risks on a job site.

#4 – Nearly a Fifth of Workplace Deaths Come From the Construction Industry

Between 2002 and 2012, nearly 20% of all work-related deaths came from the building materials and construction industry. More than half of these deaths resulted from the “fatal four” causes: electrocution, falls, being struck by an object, and being crushed between two objects.

#5 – Falls Are the Biggest Risk to Construction Workers

Research shows that falls are the number one cause of fatal construction accidents. Specialty trade contractors make up the majority of fatal falls, and the risk varies depending on the construction worker’s role. Older construction workers are at a greater risk than younger workers.

Falls don’t always result in death. They can cause serious injury that could put the employee out of work for several days.

#6 – An Average of Two Deaths Occur Daily in Construction

On average, two construction workers die each day as a result of work-related injuries. The fatal four mentioned in #4 are the most common culprits. Check out this infographic to learn more.

#7 – Electrocutions Account for 9% of Construction Deaths

One of construction's fatal four, electrocutions make up almost 9% of all construction-related deaths. Deaths are usually caused by coming into contact with power lines, lack of ground fault, or misusing equipment or power cords.

#8 – Fall Protection Is One of the Biggest OSHA Violations in Construction

This figure could certainly be linked to #5 on this list. OSHA data shows that fall protection is one of its most common violations in the construction industry. It might be prudent to share these two stats with your team to remind them of the importance of using proper fall protection to mitigate the risk of injury.

#9 – Laborers Are at the Greatest Risk of Injury

Though no role is 100% safe in construction, carpenters tend to have the least amount of risk, while general laborers are at the highest risk. Electricians, roofers, and front line supervisors also carry a slightly elevated risk. The actual risk is determined by the job, the job site, and other conditions.

#10 – Surviving a Construction Accident Isn’t Without Consequences

Employees who survive construction site accidents often sustain life-changing damage. Repercussions include blindness, deafness, loss of limb, scarring or disfigurement, spinal cord injury, neck or back injury, brain injury, or other factor that could cause permanent disability.

Want More Construction Safety Facts and Insights?

These construction safety facts aren’t meant to alarm or scare away your best workers, but they need to know the real challenges they face daily. Keep your eye on our safety blog that shares the latest industry news, safety tips, and insights to help you protect your employees and your company.