Fatal and nonfatal falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry

There were 1,102 fatal injuries in the construction industry in 2019 in private industry and government. These deaths represented 20.7 percent of total workplace fatalities in the United States (5,333). Falls, slips, and trips were the most frequent type of fatal event in the construction industry, representing 37.9 percent of all fatalities (418 of 1,102). This was a 22.9-percent increase in fatal falls, slips, and trips over 2018. Most fatal falls, slips, and trips are from falls to a lower level.

Falls, slips, and trips in 2019 accounted for 32.0 percent of nonfatal injuries involving days away from work in the private construction industry (25,460 cases of 79,660). These cases resulted in a median of 28 days away from work.

These data are from the Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program. From May 3 through May 7, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is having a National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. This event is held annually to raise awareness of fall hazards and fall prevention across the construction industry.