Worker deaths decline amid OSHA crackdown on high-risk trench and fall hazards

(UI) — Fewer workers are dying from hazards that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) targets through enhanced enforcement. According to preliminary data, fatalities in key high-risk areas like trench collapses and falls, which are among the leading causes of death for construction workers, have notably declined.

“These numbers are promising evidence that stronger enforcement and collaboration with labor and management, driven by the Biden-Harris administration’s worker-centered approach, is saving lives,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas Parker. “Most striking is the improvement in areas we have focused on with employers and unions. Our state program partners have also seen improvements.”

In fiscal year 2024, federal OSHA investigated 826 worker fatalities, an 11% reduction from 928 the previous year. Excluding COVID-related deaths, this represents the lowest number of worker fatalities OSHA has investigated since FY 2017.

As part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Falls, the leading cause of serious injuries and deaths in construction, fatal falls investigated by federal OSHA decreased from 234 to 189—a drop of nearly 20%. Preliminary state data indicates more than a 15% reduction in fatalities within state jurisdictions, pending federal verification. About 60% of private-sector employees are covered by federal OSHA, while approved state programs cover the remaining workforce.

Fatalities from trench collapses also saw a steep decline, dropping nearly 70% since 2022, from 39 deaths in 2022 to 15 in 2023 and, to date, 12 in 2024. This decrease follows targeted outreach, education efforts, and a “zero tolerance” enforcement policy that includes immediate inspections and criminal referrals when appropriate.

“While fewer workers have died from the hazards OSHA investigates, we still lose more than 5,000 workers each year in largely preventable incidents,” Parker said. “Reducing worker deaths means embracing an approach that makes worker health and safety a core value in every workplace.”

For more information on OSHA’s emphasis programs and guidelines for preventing falls and trench collapses, visit OSHA’s website. OSHA also provides free, confidential compliance assistance to help small and medium-sized businesses identify hazards, enhance safety programs, and meet OSHA standards.

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