Deaths and injuries from falls are a major yet preventable public health problem. Among occupations, construction workers face a disproportionate risk from falls. In 2010, approximately 9.1 million workers were employed in construction in the United States, accounting for 7% of the national workforce (1). Of the 4,547 U.S. workers who died on the job in 2010, 751 (17%) were employed in construction, the industry sector with the most deaths (2). The leading fatal events in construction are falls related to roofs, scaffolds, and ladders.
On Workers Memorial Day, April 28, 2012, in collaboration with a broad range of agencies, organizations, and associations from the construction industry, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will launch a national campaign to address and reduce falls, fall-related injuries, and fall-related fatalities among construction workers. Additional information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/construction/stopfalls.html.