Illinois Construction Accident Statistics 

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we track the latest construction accident statistics because they tell an important story about the risks our clients face every day. These numbers represent real people hurt or killed on construction sites across Chicago and Illinois. 

Understanding the trends helps us build stronger cases, push for better safety standards, and hold negligent construction companies accountable. Whether a case involves a fall from a lower level, a machinery mishap, or another type of on-site injury, we use this information to fight for full and fair compensation.

Fatal Injury Rates in the Illinois Construction Industry

According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois recorded 145 fatal occupational injuries across all industries in 2023. The private construction industry accounted for 30 of those deaths, representing 21 percent of all workplace fatalities in the state. That makes construction one of the most dangerous fields in Illinois by both total fatalities and percentage share.

The construction fatalities were spread across nearly every sector of construction. The construction of buildings accounted for five deaths, of which three were in residential building construction and two were in nonresidential building construction. Heavy and civil engineering construction saw six deaths, including four in utility system construction and two in highway, street, and bridge construction.

Specialty trade contractors faced the largest share of losses, with 18 fatalities in total. Within that group, nine deaths occurred among foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors. Roofing contractors accounted for four fatalities, including one in residential roofing. 

Another four deaths were recorded among building equipment contractors, three in building finishing contractors, two in other specialty trade contractors, one in site preparation contractors, and one in all other specialty trade contractors.

When we examine fatalities by occupation, construction trades workers experienced 25 fatalities, reflecting the high-risk nature of hands-on roles in the field. Carpenters, construction laborers, construction equipment operators, and operating engineers each recorded five deaths, showing that hazards exist across both manual and machinery-based tasks. 

Painters and paperhangers accounted for three deaths, as did painters working in construction and maintenance roles. Roofers also faced three fatalities, underscoring the dangers associated with working at height. 

Nationwide Overview of Fatality Causes in the Construction Workplace

Between 2011 and 2021, approximately 10,700 construction workers lost their lives due to on-the-job injuries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. A significant majority—65.5% (about 6,900 cases)—were the result of what OSHA identifies as “Focus Four” hazards: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions. 

Falls to a lower level were the leading cause of fatalities, representing 53.5% (about 3,700 cases) of fatal Focus Four injuries and 35.0% of all construction fatalities during this ten-year period.

Struck-by incidents were the second most common Focus Four cause, making up 17.0% (1,800 fatalities), followed by electrocutions at 7.6% (812 fatalities) and caught-in/between incidents at 5.8% (613 fatalities). 

The remaining 34.5% (about 3,700 deaths) fell outside the Focus Four categories, classified as non-Focus Four fatal injuries.

Falls, Slips, and Trips

From 2011 to 2021, fatal falls to a lower level remained one of the most deadly hazards in the construction industry, with consistent year-to-year losses. The data shows that the largest share of these fatalities each year came from “other falls to a lower level,” such as falls from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs, ranging from 194 deaths in 2011 to a peak of 305 in 2019. 

The second most common cause was falls through a surface or existing opening, including incidents where workers fell through skylights or unprotected floor openings. These events accounted for between 35 and 68 annual deaths, with the highest numbers recorded in 2019 and 2021. 

The third category—falls from collapsing structures or equipment—was less frequent but still represented a dangerous threat, ranging from 16 to 42 fatalities per year.

Non-Fatal Injuries on Illinois Construction Sites

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois construction accident statistics show that the state’s building industry sector continues to face notable safety challenges. 

In 2023, the construction industry recorded a total incidence rate of 1.9 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers. Of these, 1.3 involved days away from work, 0.3 involved job transfer or restriction, and 0.6 fell into the category of other recordable cases.

When converted to case numbers, this translates to roughly 4,000 total recordable cases in Illinois construction during 2023. About 2,700 of these incidents resulted in days away from work, 600 involved job transfers or work restrictions, and 1,200 were classified as other recordable cases. These figures underscore the continued risks that construction workers face on job sites throughout the state.

A year-over-year comparison reveals a notable increase in injury rates for Illinois construction. In 2022, the industry posted an incidence rate of 1.6 total recordable cases per 100 workers, compared to 1.9 in 2023. Cases involving days away from work also rose from 0.9 in 2022 to 1.3 in 2023, indicating that more injuries required extended recovery time.

Accident Statistics by Construction Company Size

Mid-sized construction employers with 11 to 49 workers had the highest incidence rate at 2.6 cases per 100 workers. Firms with 50 to 249 employees recorded a rate of 2.0, while larger companies with 250 to 999 employees posted the lowest rate at 1.3. 

Traffic Accidents on Illinois Construction Sites

In 2017, Illinois saw a total of 5,423 motor vehicle crashes in work zones, leading to 1,435 injuries and 30 deaths. The number of traffic-related fatalities in the state increased by 1.1% from 2016 to 2017, claiming 1,090 lives in 998 crashes. Drivers and passengers account for nearly all of the casualties in these zones, about 95% of fatalities and 96% of injuries.

Breaking down the 2017 work zone incidents, drivers were the most affected group, with 143 injuries and 14 fatalities. Passengers sustained 42 injuries and 13 deaths, while construction workers experienced 7 injuries and 2 deaths. In total, 24 of the 5,423 crashes were fatal, killing 30 people and injuring over 1,400 others.

Urban roadways were the most common setting for these incidents. Of all work zone crashes in Illinois in 2017, 4,047 occurred on urban roads compared to 1,375 on rural roads. Among the 30 total deaths, victims included 14 drivers, 13 passengers, 2 construction workers, and 1 pedestrian. 

Most Commonly Cited OSHA Regulations on Workplace Safety

OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2024 reveal a persistent pattern of safety concerns that directly impact the construction industry and construction workers.

• Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501) – Core to construction safety, preventing fatal falls to a lower level through guardrails, harnesses, and nets. Violations often leave workers exposed on scaffolds, ladders, and rooftops.
• Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) – Essential on construction sites with paints, solvents, and other hazardous substances. Missing labels or training can cause chemical-related injuries or illnesses.
• Control of Hazardous Energy (29 CFR 1910.147) – While more common in manufacturing, applies to construction companies servicing equipment, where uncontrolled energy can cause fatal injuries.
• Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) – Improper setup or use of portable ladders leads to dangerous falls, slips, and trips.
• Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) – Protects construction workers from dust, fumes, and silica, addressing key occupational safety risks.
• Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) – Covers forklifts and lift trucks used in construction projects, where unsafe operation causes workplace accidents.
• Fall Protection Training (29 CFR 1926.503) – Ensures workers know how to use fall arrest systems effectively.
• Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451) – Prevents scaffold-related fatal falls from improper assembly or overloading.
• Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) – Critical PPE to prevent vision loss and facial injuries.
• Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) – Applies to construction equipment like saws and grinders, preventing severe construction-related injuries.

Construction Safety Training Statistics

A study highlights how contractors are prioritizing safety and training to reduce construction-related injuries and worker deaths. 68% provide site-specific training programs for employees.

When it comes to safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE) leads the list, with 91% of contractors offering PPE training, though 53% say it’s among the most needed. 88% of contractors provide fall protection training, with 66% identifying it as a top need, showing strong alignment between OSHA standards on fall hazards. 

Ladder safety training is available from 79% of contractors, yet only 31% view it as a critical gap. Power tool safety training is offered by 75% of companies, with 23% ranking it as most needed, while noise and hearing protection training—vital for preventing hearing impairment—is offered by 73%, though only 11% identify it as a top priority.

Legal Options Following Construction Accidents in Illinois

After a construction accident in Illinois, injured workers and their families may have several legal options to seek compensation. This can include filing a workers’ compensation claim for medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation, or pursuing a third-party lawsuit if another company’s negligence contributed to the injury. 

Given the complexity of workplace safety regulations and the high risks present on construction sites, working with a Chicago work injury attorney from our team can help protect your rights, navigate the claims process, and maximize recovery. Contact us for a free consultation today!