Falls caused 37.5% of construction worker fatalities over the past decade, making them the leading cause of death on construction sites, according to a new analysis of workplace incidents.
The Kryder Law Group released a report Wednesday examining fatal construction site accidents in the United States from 2014 to 2024. The Chicago-based law firm analyzed documented deaths to identify the most common hazards facing construction workers.
Beyond falls, the report identified transportation injuries, electrocutions, being struck by objects, and caught-in or caught-between incidents as other leading causes of construction fatalities.
Industry safety concerns highlighted
“These statistics paint a sobering picture of the risks in the construction industry,” said Andrew Kryder, founding partner of The Kryder Law Group. “Our goal is to not only advocate for injured workers seeking justice but also to push for stronger safety measures and more accountability within the industry.”
The report comes as construction employment remains high across the country, with workers facing daily exposure to potentially fatal hazards on job sites.
Call for improved safety measures
The law firm said the findings underscore the need for construction companies to follow safety regulations and invest in proper training and equipment. The report aims to raise awareness about workplace hazards and promote safer working conditions across the industry.
Construction companies are required to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards designed to protect workers from falls and other job site hazards. OSHA data consistently shows falls as the top cause of construction worker deaths.
The analysis focuses on helping workers understand both the risks they face and their legal rights following workplace accidents. The report suggests that understanding common hazards represents the first step in preventing fatalities.
The Kryder Law Group specializes in representing workers injured due to workplace negligence. The firm said it conducted the 10-year analysis to support efforts to improve construction site safety while advocating for injured workers and their families.
