The 5 Most Dangerous States for Construction Worker Injuries

An analysis by the construction accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC of the U.S. Department of Labor & Statistics Industry-level data from the “Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses” (SOII) for private industry reveals the 5 most dangerous states for construction worker injuries.

Top 5 States with the Most Construction Workplace Injuries

Over a period of ten years, from 2014–2023, the states with the highest numbers of total recordable construction injury cases were California, Texas, Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania.

California: Accounting for 13.89% of reported injuries in the United States, California is the most dangerous state for construction injuries. The average number of reported injuries over the 10-year period is 25,540 each year, with the highest number of injuries occurring in 2017 (30,500) and the lowest in 2015 (20,500).

Texas: Texas had an average of 11,940 reported injuries each year over the 10-year period, with the highest number of injuries in 2016 (13,700) and the lowest in 2023 (9,300). The Lone Star State accounts for 6.49% of injuries reported by construction workers in the United States.

Washington: The average yearly number of reported injuries in Washington is 9,080, and the construction injuries account for 4.94% in the US. The highest number of injuries occurred in 2018 and 2019 (10,200), while the lowest number was reported in 2021 (7,800).

New York: New York had a yearly average of 8,030 reported injuries over the 10-year period. The highest number of injuries occurred in 2015 (10,100) and the lowest in 2021 (5,400). New York state accounts for 4.37% of construction injuries in the US.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania had a yearly average of 7,680 reported injuries over the 10-year period and accounts for 4.18% of injuries in the US. The highest number of injuries occurred in 2015 (10,200) and the lowest in 2022 (5,100).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industry-level data from the “Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses” (SOII), Private industry, All U.S., Supersector: Construction, Industry: Construction, Industry Code: GP1CON, Case Type: Total recordable cases, Data Type: Number of injury cases (thousands) (Size class 0), Years: 2014 to 2023, Data extracted on: December 3, 2024 (5:32:15 PM)

Safety Risks in the Construction Sector

These occupational safety statistics paint a concerning picture of the risks faced by construction workers in the United States. The consistently high number of reported serious injuries over the 10-year period highlights the ongoing challenges and hazards present in the construction industry. While it is encouraging to see a decline in injuries in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure construction safety, prevent common construction injuries, and promote the well-being of construction workers.

Encouraging Proper Safety Precautions to Prevent Serious Injuries

These numbers underscore the importance of prioritizing worker safety through comprehensive training programs, strict adherence to safety protocols, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and the implementation of robust preventive measures on construction sites. It is crucial for employers, regulatory bodies, construction companies, and industry stakeholders to come together to create a culture of safety, providing construction workers with the protection they deserve as they carry out their vital roles in building our infrastructure and communities.