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Lessons to be Learned from the BLS 2009 Construction Fatality Statistics

On August 19, 2010 the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2009. In 2009, fewer families suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one in a construction accident than in years past. However, the BLS was clear in its assertion that the lower number of fatalities may provide false comfort to the construction industry. The construction industry saw a decrease in workers and in hours worked during 2009 because of the weak economy. With fewer workers working fewer hours, it follows that fewer construction worker deaths would occur.

How Did Construction Workers Die During 2009?

According to the BLS:
  • 818 construction workers died in workplace accidents during 2009 They included,
    • 111 Supervision, construction and extraction workers
    • 607 construction trade workers
    • 58 extraction workers
  • 10 percent of the fatalities occurred in highway accidents
  • 32 percent of the fatalities were due to falls
  • 12 percent of the fatalities were due to struck by objects
  • 2 percent of the fatalities were homicides
  • 44 percent of the fatalities were due to other causes

The Fatality Numbers Did Not Decrease for All Construction Subgroups

While the overall decrease in demand for construction lead to a decrease in fatalities in the construction industry, the decrease in demand for certain types of workers did not result in fewer fatalities. Electricians, plumbers and carpenters all saw an increase in fatalities during 2009 as compared to the 2008 construction fatality statistics.

Are Occupational Fatality Statistics Important?

Occupational fatality statistics are an important measure of how well the construction industry’s safety standards are working and to use as a tool to prevent future fatalities. However, it is important to remember that a construction fatality is intensely personal for the family suffering the untimely death of a loved one.

Our New Jersey and New York construction death lawyers understand that each death brings with it a unique combination of grief and financial issues. We believe that each family’s experience is distinctive and we work hard to help each family with their legal recoveries.

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