Construction Accident Statistics 2026

Our research team compiled comprehensive data on construction accidents from federal and state agencies, safety organizations, and industry reports across the United States, with particular focus on New York State construction sites. This report examines fatal and non-fatal construction injuries, analyzing accident causes, injury types, and demographic trends affecting construction workers.

This analysis focuses on accidents involving construction workers across all specialties, including residential construction, commercial projects, and specialty trade contracting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Construction recorded 1,075 fatalities in 2023, the highest number since 2011, with falls, slips, and trips accounting for 39.2% (421 deaths) of all construction fatalities, making it the leading cause of death in the industry.
  • One in five workplace deaths in the United States occurs in the construction industry, with a fatality rate of 9.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, nearly three times higher than the national average across all industries.
  • Construction injuries cost the industry approximately $11.5 billion annually. Yet, employers save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested in safety programs, with back injuries representing the single most affected body part, with over 10,000 injuries recorded in 2020.

Disclosure: The settlement ranges and case outcome information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. All data has been compiled from publicly available sources, industry research, and third-party reporting. This information is not based on the outcomes of cases handled by our firm and should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any specific result in your case.

Construction Fatalities by Cause

The following table breaks down the leading causes of fatal construction accidents based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2023 (the most recent data available).

Fatal Event Category Number of Deaths (2023) Percentage of Total Construction Deaths Most Affected Occupations Fatality Rate Trend (2022–2023)
Falls, Slips, and Trips 421 39.2% Roofers, residential framers, painters Increased from 38.4%
Transportation Incidents 240 22.3% Highway construction workers, equipment operators Stable
Exposure to Harmful Substances / Environments 200 18.6% HVAC installers, insulation workers, painters Increased
Contact with Objects and Equipment 148 13.8% Laborers, equipment operators, electricians Stable
Violence and Other Injuries 46 4.3% Security personnel, site supervisors Decreased
Fires and Explosions 17 1.6% Welders, pipefitters, demolition workers Stable

Key Research Findings:

  • Most fatal falls in construction occur from heights of 6 to 30 feet, representing nearly two-thirds of all deaths, while portable ladders and stairs remain a leading cause of these incidents
  • The construction industry accounted for 47.8% of all fatal falls, slips, and trips across all U.S. industries, despite representing only about 20% of workplace deaths overall.
  • OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards (falls, struck-by objects, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents) continue to account for nearly two-thirds of construction worker deaths annually, indicating that most fatalities involve preventable hazards.
  • Transportation incidents, the second-leading cause of construction deaths, primarily involve workers struck by vehicles or mobile equipment on construction sites, particularly in highway work zones.

Common Construction Injuries by Type and Severity: 2026

Construction workers face a wide range of injuries depending on the type of work performed and site conditions. The following table categorizes the most common non-fatal injuries.

Injury Type Common Causes Affected Body Parts Recovery Time Average Medical Costs
Fractures and Broken Bones Falls, struck-by accidents, equipment malfunctions Arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, skull 6–16 weeks $25,000 – $85,000
Sprains and Strains Overexertion, lifting, repetitive motion Back, shoulders, knees, wrists 4–12 weeks $8,000 – $30,000
Lacerations and Cuts Power tools, sharp materials, equipment Hands, arms, legs, face 2–8 weeks $5,000 – $25,000
Traumatic Brain Injuries Falls, struck-by objects, vehicle accidents Head, brain, skull 6 months – lifetime $100,000 – $2M+
Spinal Cord Injuries Falls, caught-in accidents, vehicle crashes Neck, back, spinal column 1 year – lifetime $300,000 – $5M+
Burns and Chemical Exposure Electrical accidents, welding, chemical contact Skin, respiratory system, eyes 3–12 months $30,000 – $500,000+
Crushing Injuries Caught-in/between accidents, structural collapse Chest, limbs, internal organs 3–18 months $75,000 – $300,000

Key Research Findings:

  • Back injuries represent the single most affected body part in construction accidents, with over 10,000 back-related injuries recorded in 2020, primarily resulting from overexertion, lifting, and falls from heights.
  • Non-fatal construction injury rates decreased to 2.6 injuries per 100 workers, continuing a gradual downward trend, though residential building construction still leads all construction sectors with approximately 10,000 reported injuries.
  • Construction workers between the ages of 25 and 34 experience the highest rates of both fatal and non-fatal injuries, likely due to a combination of less experience and high exposure to hazardous tasks.

Economic Impact and Cost of Construction Accidents: 2026

Construction injuries and fatalities carry substantial economic consequences for workers, employers, and the broader industry.

Cost Category Annual Economic Impact Cost per Incident Primary Components
Direct Medical Costs $2.8 billion $15,000 – $500,000+ Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation
Indirect Employer Costs $8.7 billion $42,000 average Lost productivity, replacement workers, administrative costs
Legal and Compensation Expenses $3.2 billion $50,000 – $2M+ Lawsuits, settlements, insurance premium increases
Project Delays and Disruptions $2.1 billion $25,000 – $500,000 Work stoppages, investigations, schedule adjustments
Total Annual Cost $11.5 billion Varies widely All construction accident-related expenses

Key Research Findings:

  • Construction injuries cost the industry approximately $11.5 billion annually when combining direct medical expenses, indirect costs, legal fees, and project disruptions, with the highest recorded cost reaching $12.7 billion in 2009.
  • Employers save between $4 and $6 for every $1 invested in construction safety programs, demonstrating that proactive safety measures significantly reduce overall costs compared to reactive accident management.
  • Companies with comprehensive safety programs report 21% higher profit margins and 17% greater productivity compared to those without structured safety initiatives, indicating that safety investments yield measurable business returns beyond accident prevention.

Our Results

Requesting a Copy of This Report

For a complete copy of our 2026 Construction Accident Statistics report, contact our office today.

Contact Us

Sources