Shocking Stats: Construction and Agriculture Lead U.S. Workplace Fatalities, Urgent Reform Needed

In 2023, the construction and agriculture industries accounted for nearly 1 in 3 of all U.S. workplace fatalities, with 9.6 deaths per 100,000 workers in construction alone. These two industries continue to lead the nation in fatal workplace injuries, yet regulations haven’t evolved to match the current realities of these high-risk sectors. Despite safety advancements, workers are still exposed to life-threatening hazards daily, and it’s costing both lives and billions of dollars.

The shocking truth is that fatalities in construction, the deadliest U.S. occupation, are still too common, and agriculture, with its relentless dangers, remains a close contender. According to 2023 data, falls and struck-by incidents continue to be the top causes of fatal injuries, while workers in these sectors still lack the full protections offered to those in other industries. This is the reality, and it demands urgent attention.

In our exclusive study from Anidjar & Levine Injury Law, we’ve uncovered critical findings that reinforce the call for immediate policy reform and industry accountability. These findings not only highlight the fatalities but also shine a light on the economic cost and the regulatory gaps that leave workers unprotected. Here’s why it matters.

Key Findings:

• Construction workers suffer 9.6 fatalities per 100K workers, making it the 3rd deadliest industry in the U.S.
• Agriculture accounts for 24.5 fatalities per 100K workers, 3x higher than the national average.
• In 2023, 984 truck and delivery drivers died, making this the deadliest occupation in the U.S.
• Hispanic workers represent 37.5% of all construction fatalities, a 107.1% rise from 2011-2022.
• Fatal injuries cost the construction industry $11.5 billion annually, including medical, wage, and administrative costs.
• OSHA’s most cited violation in 2023 was the lack of fall protection, with 7,188 violations reported.

Injury Risk vs. Labor Protections: Construction & Agriculture vs Traditional Employees

Fatality Rates in Construction & Agriculture:

Both construction and agriculture have fatality rates far above the national average, with agriculture workers facing 24.5 deaths per 100,000. These deaths stem largely from preventable accidents such as falls in construction and tractor-related accidents in agriculture. These industries lead in fatalities year after year, even as the U.S. workforce shifts toward a more technology-driven environment.

Economic Burden:

The $11.5 billion cost of fatal injuries and incidents in construction alone is staggering. These costs, which include medical expenses, wage losses, and administrative costs, represent a financial drain that impacts both employers and taxpayers. The lack of proper insurance and safety nets for gig and seasonal workers in agriculture only adds to the economic strain.

Regulatory Gaps:

Despite regulatory efforts like OSHA’s, fatalities in these sectors are still the highest in the country. OSHA’s regulations, particularly regarding fall protection in construction, are still among the most violated safety standards. The failure to update regulations to meet the unique challenges faced by workers in these industries means that safety practices have not been able to keep up with the scale of danger faced by workers.

Hispanic Workers at Greater Risk:

Hispanic workers represent a disproportionate percentage of workplace fatalities in construction, with fatality rates among these workers rising 107.1% in just over a decade. This demographic trend highlights a lack of appropriate training, language barriers, and safety oversight tailored to immigrant labor forces.

Unmet Safety Needs in Agriculture:

Agriculture workers face dangers from tractor accidents, electrocution, and machinery injuries. Yet, the average wage in agriculture is far below the national median, leaving workers vulnerable and without adequate protections. The $1.2M cost per fatality in agriculture underscores the urgent need for reform.

Construction and agriculture are still the deadliest U.S. industries, and the gap in legal protections for workers in these sectors continues to widen. The risks these workers face aren’t just about their health; they are a massive financial burden on the economy. The $11.5 billion in injury and fatality costs annually is a problem that affects everyone, from companies to taxpayers.

Urgent Reform Needed:

As construction and agriculture remain the top sectors for fatalities, OSHA regulations need to be updated immediately to address the evolving risks in these industries. Until policymakers address this regulatory gap, these fatalities will continue, disproportionately impacting minority workers.

Inequality in Worker Safety:

The fact that Hispanic workers make up 37.5% of all construction fatalities highlights an alarming trend of safety oversight gaps that need immediate attention. It’s not just about worker compensation—it’s about ensuring equal protection under the law for all workers, regardless of ethnicity or immigration status.

Broader Implications:

The failure to adequately protect workers in construction and agriculture means that public costs will continue to rise, and the economic burden of workplace fatalities will remain a drain on society. Immediate regulatory action is needed to prevent further harm and improve worker safety.

The construction and agriculture industries continue to dominate U.S. workplace fatalities, with alarming statistics highlighting the persistent dangers faced by workers. Despite advancements in safety, regulatory gaps remain, leaving workers vulnerable to preventable injuries and fatalities. The economic toll of these fatalities, amounting to billions annually, further underscores the need for urgent policy reforms. Additionally, the disproportionate impact on minority workers, particularly Hispanic laborers, calls for more tailored safety measures and training. To protect lives and reduce the financial strain on both employers and society, immediate regulatory action is essential.