Fatalities and Injuries Trending Downward, New Analysis Shows

Between 2011 and 2023, the highway, street, and bridge construction sector saw a 15% decline in fatal injuries and a 46% reduction in non-fatal injuries and illnesses per 1,000 workers, contrasting with a 41% increase in fatalities across the broader construction industry, according to ARTBA’s analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These improvements reflect industry efforts to enhance jobsite safety through hazard reduction, training, public awareness, and technology adoption. Despite progress, fatalities remain high, with 88 deaths in 2023 alone, underscoring the continued importance of ARTBA’s safety partnerships with the Federal Highway Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Members are encouraged to strengthen internal safety programs and utilize resources from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse and ARTBA Safety Center.