Surveillance and mapping of occupational construction fatalities in the United States, 2011

Background and Objectives: U.S. construction workers experience high rates of work-related deaths compared to general industry. Geospatial mapping using active surveillance data is a novel approach to investigating these preventable tragedies. Objectives were to define and visually represent the patterns, magnitude, and geographic distribution of U.S. construction fatalities; and to increase public awareness of construction worker safety. Methods: Annual surveillance began in January 2011. Construction fatalities were identified via OSHA investigation reports and daily searches of online news media. Geographic, occupational, and demographic data were abstracted, geocoded, and displayed on a map. Variable stratification and geographic overlays were used to examine types and patterns of occupational construction fatalities. Preliminary Results: More than 600 occupational construction fatalities were identified. States with the most construction fatalities in 2011 were Texas (N=60), California (N=47), Florida (N=37), New York (N=29), and Pennsylvania (N=26). These states accounted for roughly a third of all recorded cases. The highest number of deaths occurred as a result of falls, slips, or trips. Transportation incidents and contact with objects and equipment were other leading causes of death. With continued annual surveillance for 2012, data collection and analysis methods are being refined. Practical and research applications of the map will be described in the presentation. Discussion: These findings have the potential to improve working conditions. Evaluating how construction deaths are distributed geographically and by sub-population characteristics may help identify appropriate interventions, target populations, and location-based needs. The map is also a poignant memento to the many lives lost in construction.