Perhaps it should come as no surprise that falling accounts for the most fatalities at construction sites. With so much work performed off the ground, falling is often a concern on the job.
The Center for Construction Research and Training released a study in 2013 that shows the dangers from falling.
While the number of fatal falls changes each year, there were 6,858 fatalities from 1992 to 2010. The specific occupation varied in regards to fatalities, but the study found that electrical power line installers were around nine times more likely than construction workers to suffer a fatal fall. Rates were also higher for roofers and iron-workers.
Certainly, fatal falls are the biggest concern, but in 2010 alone falls accounted for 18,310 nonfatal injuries, which was 24% of all construction site injuries.
Most of the deaths occurred from workers falling from a roof or to a lower level. Conversely, 39.5% of falls that resulted in injuries but not death occurred on the same level.
The study also shows that companies with fewer employees are more likely to have fatal falls. Companies with 1-10 employees accounted for 54.7% of all fatalities from 2008 to 2010. It also shows that older workers are more susceptible to falls than younger employees.
What all this data tells us is that falls are a major concern at construction sites. The risks are greater the higher you are working, or the more frequently you are working off the ground, such as on roofs or power lines.