According to a new Bureau of Labor Statistics report, Texas ranks as the most dangerous state for workplace deaths with 608 fatal injuries in 2019.
Out of those deaths, 136 were in construction and extraction occupations, marking them the second most deadly occupations. The only occupations with a higher number of fatal injuries were transportation and material moving occupations with 202.
The BLS releases the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries annually. The data lags by one year, meaning the data published in December of 2020, examines fatal injuries from 2019.
The 608 construction deaths in Texas are alarming, as workplace deaths were on the decline. In 2016, the BLS report indicated 545 workers died due to workplace injuries. In 2017, the number fell again to 534. The trend continued in 2018, as 488 workers died. The latest report shows that 2019 ended the run of decreasing construction deaths.
Since the data is from 2019 and does not take 2020 data into account, the COVID-19 pandemic had no impact on this report. It is expected to affect next year’s report, when the 2020 numbers are published.
Overall, the number of deaths increased from 2018 to 2019, according to the BLS report. In 2018, there were 5,250 worker fatalities. The number rose by 2 percent to 5,333 deaths in 2019.
Additionally, the number of deaths in the construction industry rose throughout the country, according to the latest report. The fatality rate rose per 100,000 full-time workers to 9.7 percent. This is an increase from 9.5 percent in 2018.
Construction and extraction occupations saw the second most fatal injuries. With 1,066 deaths, the figure is the highest since 2007.
It is no surprise the construction industry is dangerous, which is why three of the top 10 most fatal occupations are in the construction industry, according to the BLS report. The numbers break down as just under 60 roofer deaths per 100,000 workers, construction trades helpers at 40 deaths per 100,000 and structural iron and steelworkers at just over 20.
A further breakdown of demographics and cause of death paint a picture that replicates issues being faced by the labor force.
It is well known that the workforce is aging and people are not retiring at the age they used to. Workers in all industries over the age of 55 accounted for 38 percent of the deaths. Additionally, the drug epidemic continues to rage throughout the country. According to the latest study, 313 workers across all industries died from unintentional nonmedical use of drug or alcohol overdoses on-the-job.
There is plenty of work to be done to reduce these workplace deaths and limit injuries. An increase in Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections of job sites is a start, but education on how to eliminate workplace hazards will help prevent hazards from appearing in the first place.
Work Safe Austin supports any efforts to make the construction industry a safer place for workers. If you believe your workplace is hazardous and would like to learn how to limit these hazards, join the fight and contact Work Safe Austin.
