The construction sector recorded the highest number of workplace fatalities in over a decade last year, according to newly released federal data.
Despite this increase, the rate of construction worker deaths remained unchanged due to the expansion of the workforce.
There were 1,075 construction-related fatalities in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The fatal work injury rate stood at 9.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, consistent with the previous year. This rate has fluctuated around 10 for over a decade.
Slips, trips & falls — perennially among the most lethal hazards in construction — accounted for 421 fatalities, or 39.2% of all deaths in the sector. Most fatal falls occurred from heights between 6 and 30 feet, with portable ladders and stairs being the leading sources of 109 deaths.
The BLS identified construction as having the highest number of fatalities among private industries, though the broader trade, transportation, and utilities sector, which includes retail and warehouse workers, reported 1,454 deaths.
Across all industries, 5,283 U.S. employees died at work in 2023. Construction accounted for nearly one in five occupational fatalities. However, the industry’s fatality rate ranked third, behind agriculture, fishing, forestry, and hunting (20.3 deaths per 100,000 workers) and transportation and warehousing (12.9).
Transportation incidents were the second leading cause of death in construction, with 240 fatalities, encompassing injuries occurring during vehicle operation or nearby work.
Occupational and Demographic Insights
Among construction and extraction occupations, the fatality rate decreased slightly from 13.0 in 2022 to 12.9 per 100,000 workers in 2023. The sector saw 1,055 deaths, nearly identical to the previous year, with 809 fatalities involving construction tradespeople.
The overall U.S. workplace fatality rate was 3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers, with some groups experiencing higher rates. Black or African American workers faced a fatal injury rate of 3.6, down from 4.2 in 2022 but still above the national average. Hispanic or Latino workers had a rate of 4.4, also a slight decline from 4.6. Of the 1,250 Hispanic or Latino workers who died on the job, 839 were foreign-born.
Older workers faced significant risks, with those aged 55 to 64 experiencing the most fatalities at 1,089. Age groups 35–44 and 45–54 each recorded over 1,000 deaths. Men comprised most fatalities, with women accounting for just 8.5% of workplace deaths.
Industry Responses and Ongoing Challenges
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health highlighted the need for improved workplace safety, citing racial disparities in fatality rates as indicative of systemic discrimination.
“More than 5,200 deaths on the job is still way too many,” Jessica E. Martinez, executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said in a statement to Construction Dive. “We are also deeply concerned that Black and Brown workers continue to suffer from a higher rate of occupational fatalities, a sign of the persistent effects of discrimination in our workplaces.”
The organization also noted the underreporting of long-term hazard-related deaths, such as heat illnesses.
Construction industry leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing safety measures. Brian Turmail of the Associated General Contractors of America underscored the industry's efforts, including fall protection training and advocacy for safer highway work zones.
“Today’s data is a grim reminder of the challenge our industry faces when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of the men and women who build America,” Turmail told Construction Dive, pledging to continue safety initiatives while mourning the loss of workers.
Greg Sizemore of Associated Builders and Contractors urged employers to prioritize training and risk management. “We must be relentless in ensuring every employee arrives and leaves jobsites in the same or better condition than ever before,” he said.
Despite these efforts, the construction sector remains one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S., demanding ongoing vigilance and innovation to protect its workforce.
At GPRS, safety is always on our radar. We sponsor numerous safety initiatives each year designed to provide construction workers with the resources they need to stay safe on the job site. These include Construction Safety Week, Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week, and Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week.
Click here to learn more about our safety initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Concrete Sawing and Drilling Safety Week?
Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week is an annual event designed to help job sites become safer. As workers in the field, we must discuss the common risks and hazards associated with concrete sawing and drilling.
You can sign up for your free Concrete Sawing and Drilling Safety Week event here.
What is Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week?
Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week is an annual event designed to connect water and wastewater officials with the knowledge and resources they need to better maintain the systems in their care.
Attendees learn how to mitigate the risk of cross bores, the importance of annual water loss surveys and regular sewer pipe inspections, and more.
You can sign up for your free Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week event here.
What is Concrete Safety Week & How Can I Sign Up?
Construction Safety Week is an annual, weeklong event that creates space for the construction industry to collectively celebrate a safe mindset and engagement around Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
You can sign up for your free Concrete Safety Week event here.
