Top Construction Safety Statistics for 2024

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Every year, construction safety continues to be a high priority on projects across the U.S. and globally. As we roll into 2024, the building industry continues to have some of the highest injury rates around the world. Many of the statistics below are aimed to raise awareness on worker safety. Let’s dive in and check out a few safety statistics that will help put the severity of safety in scope. 

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Non-fatal construction-related injury statistics

There were roughly 169,000 non-fatal injuries in the construction in 2021.

In 2022, the annual number of hours full-time construction workers were absent due to injury or illness is 24 million. 

Roughly 40% of construction injuries result in multiple days away from work.

In 2020, there were 174,100 total cases of non-fatal injuries reported in the construction industry.

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Fatal construction-related injury statistics 

In 2022, the fatal work injury rate was 9.4 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers.

Construction accounts are roughly 21% of all deaths among US workers.

In 2020, there were 1,008 recorded fatal accidents in construction.

In 2021, there were 1,069 recorded fatal accidents in construction. 

A worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022 compared to 101 minutes in 2021.

65.5% of all construction deaths result from a Focus Four incident

• Falls (including slips and trips): 35%
• Struck-by incidents: 17%
• Electrocution: 7.6% 
• Caught incidents: 5.8%
• All other injuries: 34.6%

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Metal health-related statistics

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually. 

15% of construction workers are impacted by substance abuse.

Generally 12% of construction workers deal with alcohol abuse disorder. 

The number of construction workers abusing prescription opioids is estimated at 3.2% versus 2% of the general population.

83% of construction industry workers have experienced some form of moderate to severe mental health issues. 60% of construction workers have general reported mental health issues.

What affects mental health?

• Extensive, irregular working hours
• Chronic pain and injury
• Physical exhaustion from manual labor
• Pressure to meet deadlines
• Burnout and stress
• Heightened substance abuse
• Competitive culture
• Layoffs

Signs of mental health:

• Isolating from friends and family
• Dramatic changes in weight or appetite
• Poor hygiene
• Problems sleeping
• Noticeable and persistent irritability and/or sadness
• Rapid speech and thoughts
• Excessive spending
• Trouble concentrating

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Inspection statistics

In 2022, OSHA made 31,820 inspections

A serious OSHA violation is $15,625 per violation.

From 2011-2022, the average OSHA penalty per inspection was $2,697.

From 2011-2022, the average annual OSHA penalties was $102.7M.

One of the highest OSHA penalties ever issued to a single contractor was $8.35M.

The maximum OSHA penalty for each willful or repeated violation is $156,259.

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Fun safety statistics

62.2% of workers in the construction industry are exposed to heights more than five feet off the ground.

The cost of workers’ compensation from the top five injury causes in construction is roughly $7.87 billion.

Enhancing our safety culture

The construction industry has had its history of safety and compliance related risks. We need to continually enhance our safety programs and education so that our construction sites and workers are protected and productive during work hours. Today, many construction leaders realize the impact of safety and costs associated with incidents. 

Technology solutions aimed toward safety and productivity can be a strong solution to enhance your safety program while reducing risks. Companies like Kwant, use real-time location to help manage workers efficiently on projects so everyone is safe and productive. With Kwant, contractors receive safety features like fall detection, SOS alerts, near-miss alerts, access control, turnstiles. 

Want to keep your work site safe and productive? Reach out today and learn how to enhance your safety program with Kwant.