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Kentucky Construction Accident Statistics

According to the United States Department of Labor, over 25% of fatalities that occurred on the job in 2016 were in the construction industry. For anyone who has worked in construction, this statistic is not particularly surprising. Construction is known to be dangerous work. The potential for injury is why there are so many safety rules and regulations in place.

Everyone involved in construction – from the top executives of construction companies to the lowest level workers – must be committed to safety to minimize the dangers to the workforce. When even one individual fails to adhere to safety guidelines, it can put many others at risk. Worse, when a company fails to adhere to safety guidelines, it can put every employee at risk.

We present the following construction accident statistics for both Kentucky and the nation in hopes that they will encourage workplace safety. When everyone does his or her part – especially employers – it can help prevent numerous unnecessary accidents.

2016 Kentucky Construction Accident Statistics

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2016 there were 102 fatalities in construction and extraction occupations in Kentucky.
  • Of those fatalities, 35% were the result of slip and fall accidents.
  • Nine fatalities were the result of exposure to harmful substances or environments.
  • Six fatalities were the result of contact with objects and equipment.
  • The fatal injury rate in 2016 for construction jobs was 18.5 for every 100,000 full-time workers.

2015 Kentucky Construction Accident Statistics

  • The KOSHS reports that there were 28 construction fatalities in Kentucky in 2015.
  • Of those fatalities, five were caused by transportation incidents.
  • Eight fatalities resulted from falls, slips and trips.
  • Seven fatalities were the result of exposure to harmful substances or environments.
  • Four fatalities were the result of contact with objects and equipment.
  • The fatal injury rate in Kentucky in 2012 was 16.5 out of every 100,000 construction workers.

2014 Kentucky Construction Accident Statistics

  • According to the BLS, there were 20 fatalities in the construction industry in 2014.
  • Of those fatalities, nine were the result of transportation incidents.
  • Five fatalities were the result of contact with objects and equipment.
  • The 2014 fatal injury rate in Kentucky for construction work was 8.7 for every 100,000 workers.

2016 National Construction Accident Statistics

  • There were 1,034 fatalities in the U.S. in the construction industry.
  • Of those deaths, over 50% were caused by what the BLS terms the “Fatal Four” – falls, struck by object, electrocution and caught-in/between accidents.
  • Falls accounted for 302 of the total deaths in 2016, or 36.5%.
  • Struck by object accidents accounted for 100 of the total deaths, or 11%.
  • Electrocutions were responsible for 82 deaths, or 9%.
  • Caught-in/between accidents accounted for 21 deaths, or 2.5%.

OSHA’s Top 10 Standards Violations

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration lists the top ten standards violations for the year. Unsurprisingly, these violations tend to overlap areas construction’s Fatal Four. These fatal four, as stated by OSHA, are areas where the construction industry can improve and save hundreds of lives a year in the industry. The top ten violations are:

  1. Fall protection, a construction standard
  2. Hazard communication
  3. Scaffolding, a construction standard
  4. Respiratory protection
  5. Powered industrial trucks
  6. Lockout/tagout
  7. Ladders, a construction standard
  8. Electrical wiring
  9. Machine guarding
  10. Electrical systems design

Louisville Construction Accident Attorneys

In a perfect world, employers and co-workers would strictly observe safety precautions and do their best to protect everyone. But unfortunately, many times people choose to cut corners and put the lives of others at risk.

When a person or company acts carelessly and you are hurt in the process, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney to stand up for your legal rights. You need clear legal advice, targeted to your circumstances. At Meinhart & Manning, PLLC we can provide you with the legal representation you need following your accident.

Our firm offers a free consultation, so you can contact us and discuss your case at no cost to you. Please contact us now to learn what your legal options are. Our experienced legal team is ready to help in any way that we can.

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