5 Most Dangerous Jobs in Construction

The construction industry is inherently dangerous, no doubt about it. Individuals who work in this industry understand the risks they face day in and day out, but this does not mean they are prepared for a potential accident or injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 3 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported every single year. If you look at the industry that is responsible for the most deaths, the construction industry leads the way. While it should come as no surprise that the construction industry can be very dangerous, there is considerable variation within the many jobs and professions under the construction umbrella.

Before we look at the five most dangerous jobs within the construction industry, it is important to point out that construction accounts for just 4 percent of all workers, but a shocking 21 percent of all work-related deaths. Construction workers are often exposed to extreme temperatures, must operate heavy machinery, and work from significant heights where there are numerous risks. There are certain jobs within the industry that are far more dangerous than others. For example, operating a crane or large truck is generally less dangerous than working on scaffolding.

Let’s now take a look at the most dangerous jobs in construction:

• Roofing – By far, the most dangerous job in the construction industry is roofing. Roofers have the highest fatal injury and death rate – 47.4 per 100,00 workers. In recent years, this number has increased, highlighting our nation’s problem with adhering to safety procedures. According to OSHA, the most frequent violation in construction is failing to have fall protection in place, which directly affects roofers.
• Steel and frame workers – Individuals who work in the iron and steel sector of construction have one of the highest fatal injury rates. Steel and frame workers often have to work on scaffolding to complete the work, which means they are exposed to many hazards, such as swinging steel bars. The leading cause of death among construction workers is falls (39 percent), and steel/frame workers make up a large portion of this percentage.
• Heavy machinery operators – The third-most dangerous job in construction is extraction workers and heavy machinery operators. Many of these individuals work close to the ground and are surrounded by heavy equipment. The second-most common cause of death in construction is being struck by an object, which is something these workers are at risk of more than others.
• General laborers – Individuals who work as general laborers are also at risk of sustaining a serious injury. The fatal injury rate of these workers is nearly 17. General laborers perform a wide range of duties, from working in trenches to scaling scaffolding.
• Electricians – Last but certainly not least, electricians have the fifth most dangerous job in construction. As you can imagine, electricians face the threat of being electrocuted from improper wiring and more.

If you work in any of the above subsections of construction and have been injured on-the-job, please contact Rad Law Firm today. Our experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers are available to discuss your case with you today. Please give us a call to schedule your free consultation.