US construction fatalities fall

The number of construction fatalities in the US fell by -40% between 2006 and 2010, and by -10% between 2009 and 2010, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The number of construction fatalities in 2010 was 751, down from 834 in 2009 and 1239 in 2006.

The figures indicate that safety has become a priority for the industry, according to the AGC, which highlighted the fact that the number of fatalities fell faster than the decline in construction spending, which dropped -31% between 2006 and 2010.

AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr said, "This industry has made safety a top priority in good times and bad, and the new data shows those efforts are helping save lives. But even one fatality is too many, which is why this data also serves as a sombre reminder of the work that still needs to be done."

Mr Sandherr added that safety is now considered an essential part of all pre-construction planning in the US.

"Construction workers also undergo rigorous and ongoing safety training both at construction sites and within company training rooms. Many firms also now regularly participate in association-led safety stand-downs, stopping all construction activity during a particular day to hold intense safety training and drills."