Putting the P in Surveillance (StP): Tracking and Investigating Construction Deaths for Prevention

The California Department of Public Health has been conducting surveillance and investigation of work-related fatalities in Los Angeles County (1993 – present) under the NIOSH-funded Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program. Analysis of our surveillance data has consistently shown that construction workers are at increased risk of traumatic occupational deaths from falls. While there has been a significant decline in the overall rate of work-related fatalities in the past 10 years, there has not been a drop in the rate of deaths due to falls among constructions workers. In addition, Hispanic workers continue to have a significantly greater risk of all workplace fatalities. These findings pose enormous challenges for occupational safety and health professionals, unions, employers and community based organizations as they look for successful strategies to reduce the risk of traumatic fatalities in these populations. Several instances of preventable workplace deaths in “green jobs” in Los Angeles County will be presented that illustrate the promises and pitfalls of injury prevention in the current economic and political climate. Broadening the public understanding beyond “blaming the victim” requires an understanding of where the key levers for prevention may exist, and designing a prevention program to reach those who can make a difference. Each of these cases in Los Angeles County will be shown to be a “teachable moment” to link surveillance to prevention (StP) and reduce the risk of work-related deaths among construction workers.