Part 1 of 2 studies that looked at mortality (this study) and morbidity (tomorrow) from a lifetime in construction work.
Data from the US between 2003-2007 was used to estimate the lifetime risk for fatal & nonfatal injuries per 100 FTE construction workers for a working lifetime of 45 years.
Results:
Based on the results, a lifetime risk of fatal injury in the construction industry was approximately one death per 200 FTE construction workers. For nonfatal injuries resulting in days away from work, the lifetime risk was one in 78 FTEs.
Falls & transportation risks were the leading mechanisms. For falls, the lifetime risk of a fatal injury would be 17% for a given worker over a lifetime in construction.
For nonfatal resulting in days away, contact with objects/equipment, overexertion, & falls to a lower level were the leading factors.
Significant variations occur between occupations. Ironworkers, roofers, power installers & truck drivers had the highest occupational risk for lifetime construction fatality risk. Between the highest risk (ironworkers), versus the lowest in this study (drywall installers), ironworkers were about 13 times more likely to be killed compared to drywall, ten times more than plumbers, and 6 times more than foremen.
Labourers, for comparison, are over two times more likely to be killed than foremen or construction managers. What I found a little surprising is that the lifetime risk of a work-related accident is slightly higher for construction managers than for roles like brickies, painters, plumbers and carpenters.
Results also indicate that fatalities for Hispanic construction workers is 20% higher than for white, non-Hispanic workers. The disparity is mostly regarding falls & transport accidents. For fall-related fatalities, Hispanic construction workers’ lifetime risk is ~47% higher than white, non-Hispanic counterparts.
While the study had limitations, authors note that risk based on a lifetime exposure rather than annual gives a more complete snapshot. It also is said to better reveal ethnic disparities in fatal & nonfatal injuries when expressed as lifetime risk.
SafetyInsights.org 