According to new BLS data, U.S. construction fatalities declined slightly in 2024.

Construction fatalities in the United States declined slightly in 2024, according to new data released from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sector recorded just over 1,000 worker deaths last year—a modest decrease from the previous year but still among the highest totals of any industry.

Falls remained the leading cause of death, accounting for roughly one-third of all construction fatalities. Transportation incidents—including workers struck by vehicles or equipment—ranked second, followed by contact with objects or equipment and electrocutions.

While the small decline suggests incremental progress, safety experts caution that the industry’s fatality rate has remained largely stagnant for more than a decade. Industry leaders say meaningful improvement will require greater focus on planning, hazard recognition and proactive controls targeting the high-risk events most likely to result in life-altering injuries or deaths.

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