1. Height of Fatal Fall Injuries in the U. S
Height of Fatal Fall Injuries in the U.S. Construction Industry Xuanwen Wang, PhD, Xiuwen Sue Dong *, DrPH, and Julie Largay, MPH
CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, USA
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fatal falls from 15 feet or less as a percentage of all fatal falls in construction, selected occupations,
Rate of fatal fall injuries in construction, residential vs. non-residential,
(Private wage-and-salary workers)
Introduction
Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction. Despite the significance, detailed data (e.g., the distance fallen) were not available in the past. The Bureau of Labor Statistics substantially revised the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) which has been used to code injury and illness data since This study examines fatal fall injuries by height to identify more evidence and insights for developing fall prevention strategies in construction.
Data from two large national datasets between 2011 and 2013 were analyzed, including the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Employment Statistics. Stratified analyses were conducted to identify differences among subgroups in construction.
Number of fatalities in construction, falls and non-falls,
Note: In 2011, the CFOI switched to OIICS version 2.01 which categorizes slips, trips, and falls together. In previous years, slips and trips were categorized elsewhere.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Numbers are from the online CFOI database.
Note: 79 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: These numbers were calculated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the authors with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. Employment data were from Current Employment Statistics. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
Leading Causes of Fatalities in Construction,
Fatal fall injuries in construction, by establishment size and height of fall,
Fatal fall injuries in construction, by employment status and height of fall,
Fatal falls in construction, by height of fall,
Note: 79 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: These numbers were calculated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
Note: In 2011, the CFOI switched to OIICS version 2.01.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Numbers are from the online CFOI database.
Highlights
Between 2011 and 2013, 868 construction workers died from falls, accounting for more than one-third (34.9%) of construction fatalities.
Overall, about 20% of the fatal falls were from over 30 feet and nearly 40% were from 15 feet or less (including 8% from less than six feet).
More than 60% of the decedents who were 55 or older fell from 15 feet or less, compared to 21% of the decedents who were younger than 35.
The risky occupations for lower height falls were drywall installers, electricians, carpenters, and helpers, while power-line installers, welders, brickmasons, and ironworkers were more likely to fall from over 30 feet.
A larger proportion of falls from 15 feet or less was found among the decedents who were employed by smaller establishments than those employed by larger establishments.
Compared to the non-residential construction subsector, residential construction had a higher rate of fatal falls and a larger proportion of falls from 15 feet or less. Utility system construction had the highest percentage of falls from over 30 feet among all construction sectors.
Self-employed construction workers were more likely to fall from lower heights while wage-sand-salary workers had a larger proportion of falls from more than 15 feet.
Conclusion
The patterns of fatal falls from height differ among age groups, occupations, construction subsectors, establishment sizes, and employment statuses. Developing needs-based fall prevention programs with specific and focused strategies is an efficient way to address the unique risks of different worker groups.
Note: 137 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Numbers are from the online CFOI database.
Note: 79 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the authors with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data.  The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
Main findings
Distribution of fatalities in construction, by event,
Fatal fall injuries in construction, by age group and height of fall,
Fatal fall injuries in construction by height, residential vs. non-residential ,
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Numbers are from the online CFOI database.
Note: 79 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: These numbers were calculated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
Note: 79 Deaths without height information are excluded.
Source: These numbers were calculated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.
This work was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Grant No. U60OH Any errors in this presentation are the authors’ sole responsibility. *For more information, please contact: Sue Dong