• The 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World

The construction of the Burma-Siam Railway claimed thousands of lives.

Safety is mandatory in the construction industry, and many countries have strict construction rules which contractors must follow. However, we still hear of numerous contractors ignoring these safety procedures. The construction industry is hazardous, and thousands of people have lost their lives in the past while erecting some of the magnificent structures we see today, due to the lack of safety procedures and ignorance. Some of the most deadly construction projects of all time are listed below. 

1. Panama Canal

construction projects with most deaths

The Panama Canal is the 51-mile long artificial waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean . The Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all time and also one of the deadliest. The Panama Canal cuts through the Darien Isthmus. The French initiated the project in 1881, but they had to stop because of high worker mortality rate and engineering issues. The death rate of the entire project was 408.12 death per a thousand employees. Over 25,000 people had lost their lives due to the harsh working conditions by the time the French were stopping the project. When the United States took over in 1904, 5,600 more people died due to starvation and diseases. About 30,600 people lost their lives during the entire project.

2. Burma-Siam Railway

The Burma-Siam railway, also known as the Burma railway or even the Death Railway, is the 258-mile long railway that connects Thanbyuzayat, Burma to Ban Pong, Thailand. The Empire of Japan built the railway to support their troops in the Burma campaign of the Second World War in 1943. Over 61,000 prisoners and 250,000 laborers were forced to make the railway. The entire project resulted in the death of about 12,000 prisoners and 90,000 laborers. The majority of these people died due to starvation and the officers’ brutality while lions killed others.

3. Hawk Nest Tunnel

The Hawk Nest Tunnel was one of the worst tragedies in the history of the United States. It is a 3-mile tunnel that was built in Mountain Gauley in 1931. About 3,000 workers were sent to build the tunnel, and while constructing the tunnel, they found silica. The workers were asked to mine the silica without wearing protective masks, and this resulted in a majority of them getting a debilitating lung illness known as silicosis. The project resulted in 764 deaths, but the exact number of people who died from silicosis is unknown as the disease takes some few years to be fatal.

4. White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal

construction projects with most deaths

The White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal connects Lake Onega, which is linked to the Baltic Sea, to the White Sea. It is a ship canal that was opened on August 2, 1933, in Russia. Gulag inmates built the channel. The project resulted in the death of about 12,000 inmates. The unofficial estimates confirmed that over 25,000 people died because of physical exhaustion, cold and starvation.

5. Transcontinental Railroad

The Transcontinental railway, initially known as the Pacific railway, is the 1,912-mile long railroad that was built from 1863 to 1869. The railroad connected the Pacific coast with the railway network in Nebraska and Iowa. Over 1,200 deaths were reported, but the exact number of casualties was never verified as a majority of the workers were illegal immigrants and prisoners.

6. Suez Canal

construction projects with most deaths

The Suez Canal is the manmade channel that connects the Red and the Mediterranean seas through the Suez Isthmus. The Suez Canal was opened on November 17, 1869. The canal offers marine vessels a short journey between the northern India Oceans and the North Atlantic through the Red and Mediterranean Seas by avoiding the southern parts of the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean. The project had over 1.5 million workers, and it recorded the highest number of casualties of all the canals in the world. Over 120,000 workers lost their lives while building the Suez Canal.

7. Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram highway is the 808-mile long highway that extends from Khujerab-Pass to Punjab. It connects Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan with Xinjiang Uyghur in China. It is one of the highest highways on earth and passes the 15,466 foot high Karakoram Mountain. The road was built between 1959 and 1978. The death rate of the Karakoram Highway was 54.17 per 1,000 employees. The majority of workers died due to falls and landslides. Over 200 Chinese and 810 Pakistani employees lost their lives while building the highway.

8. Brooklyn Bridge

construction projects with most deaths

The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge that stretches across the East River, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is one of the oldest highway bridges in the country whose construction process lasted for fourteen years. The construction process of the bridge began in 1869, and it is the first steel cable bridge in the world. Previously it was named East River Bridge, but its name was changed to Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge recorded about 30 deaths in fourteen years.

9. Erie Canal

Erie Canal is part of the west-east cross-state route of the canal system in New York. It was built to create an accessible route from the Great Lakes to New York and to the Atlantic Ocean. Previously the journey was over 363 miles long, and it stretched from where Lake Erie meets Buffalo to where Hudson River meets Albany. After its completion in 1825, it became the second longest canal on earth. The construction process of the Erie Canal had over 50,000 workers, and it recorded over 1,000 deaths. The majority of these deaths were attributed to frequent canal collapses, drowning, careless use of gunpowder and diseases from the swampy place.

10. World Trade Center

The World Trade Tower (WTC) complex was located in Lower Manhattan. The WTC featured the Twin-Towers, which were destroyed by the terrorist’s attack of September 11, 2001. Back in 1973, the two building were the biggest structures on earth. The complex was in the Financial District and had 13,400,000 sq feet of office space. The core of the WTC was constructed from 1975 to 1985, and on a typical day, over 50,000 individuals worked on the building. About 60 people died during the entire construction period. The death rate was about 17.14 individuals per 1,000 workers.

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New Data Shows Increase in Construction Fatalities from 2021 to 2022

On December 19, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual report on occupational injuries for 2022. The report reveals 1,069 construction fatalities occurred in 2022, a 7.7% increase from 986 construction fatalities in 2021. The leading causes of construction industry fatalities remains what OSHA considers to be the “construction focus four hazards” which are falls (38%), struck by object or equipment (8%), electrocutions (6%), struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material (5%).

Some of the other key takeaways from the report are:

  • The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from 3.6 per 100,000 FTE in 2021 and up from the 2019 pre-pandemic rate of 3.5.
  • A worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022.
  • Workers in transportation and material-moving occupations experienced 1,620 fatal work injuries in 2022. These workers represent the occupational group with the highest number of fatalities. This is an increase of 6.4% from 2021. 
  • Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event in 2022 with 2,066 fatal injuries, an increase of 4.2% from 2021. This major category accounted for 37.7% of all work-related fatalities for 2022. 
  • Suicides increased 13.1% to 267 fatalities in 2022, after two consecutive years of declines.

This data reported by BLS makes it clear that there is more work to be done in the construction industry. Contractors should routinely review their safety programs and policies, provide training and education to their workers, and dedicate the necessary resources needed to keep construction workers safe on the job. AGC of America offers a wide variety of safety and health materials to assist members with improving safety and health on their jobsites. To learn more about these resources, please visit www.agc.org/safety .

For more information, contact Nazia Shah at  [email protected]  or Kevin Cannon at  [email protected] .

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Data Dashboards

Construction fatality map dashboard.

Construction workers face numerous hazards on the job site each day. Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety, more than 1,000 workers have died on the job annually since 2016, with more than one-third resulting from falls to a lower level.

CPWR’s Data Center produced the Construction Fatality Map series from 2011 to 2018 with updates quarterly to support the  National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction . To continue to raise public awareness of construction hazards and the need for improved safety in the industry, the Construction Fatality Map Dashboard was developed in 2021.

The dashboard combines data from ongoing OSHA fatality investigations and online media sources gathered since 2011. Data since the start of 2021 can be filtered by  Construction Focus Four  hazards (falls to a lower level, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between). Although the dashboard only captures about 70% of all construction fatalities, it provides detailed geographic information and other circumstances for each fatal injury.

You can  download the data behind the Dashboard as a spreadsheet.  The Dashboard will be updated periodically when new data are available. If you are aware of a recent work-related fatality in construction, or have questions on the dashboard, please email  [email protected]

To Use the Dashboard:

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The pie chart for “Percent Share of Fatal Injuries by Event Type” and the bar chart “Number of Fatal Injuries by State” will change based on selected criteria. The bar chart shows the five states/territories with the most fatalities based upon the selected filters. If you want to see a large version of either chart, mouse over its upper-right corner and click on the circle with the four arrows that appears. In addition, click on any point on the map to see a pop-up window with information about an individual killed on the job, OSHA records for the case, and links to related news coverage.

For mobile users:

If you are using a tablet or a smartphone, tap a point with your finger on the map, and then tap Fatality Details — you can get pop-ups with detailed information on the fatal injury. To view the Fatality by Injury Type pie chart or Fatality by State bar chart, tap the “<” and “>” arrows at the bottom of the dashboard.

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Construction Worker Deaths Increase 5% in 2019, Largest Total Since 2007

By: Kendall Jones on December 17th, 2020

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Construction Worker Deaths Increase 5% in 2019, Largest Total Since 2007

Construction Safety

The construction industry again had the highest number of fatalities of all industries in 2019 with 1,061 worker deaths. This is a 5.3% increase over the 1,008 fatal injuries in 2018. It’s the highest total since 2007 when the industry recorded 1,204 fatal work injuries. The construction industry represented 21.6% of all private industry worker deaths in 2019.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Data and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries , workers in the construction industry suffered over 200,000 nonfatal injuries and over 1,000 fatal injuries in 2019.

The fatal injury rate for the construction industry in 2019 was 9.7, which was up from 9.5 in 2018. For all workers, the fatal injury rate remained at 3.5 in 2019 and 2018. The fatal injury rate is calculated as the number of fatal occupations injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers.

Despite accounting for the highest number of worker deaths, the construction industry only had the fourth-highest fatal injury rate among all industries. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting had a fatal injury rate of 23.1 per 100,000 FTE followed by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction at 14.6 and transportation and warehousing at 13.9. All of those industries, with the exception of construction, saw decreases in their fatal injury rate in 2019.

The number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the construction industry increased from 199,100 in 2018 to 200,100 in 2019. The incidence rate for nonfatal injuries and illnesses dropped from 3.0 in 2018 to 2.8 in 2019.

Construction Jobs With the Highest Number of Fatalities in 2019

The top 10 occupations that resulted in fatal injuries in the construction industry in 2019 were:

  • Construction Laborers – 293 deaths (259 in 2018)
  • Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers – 136 deaths (144 in 2018)
  • Roofers – 111 deaths (96 in 2018)
  • Carpenters – 99 deaths (86 in 2018)
  • Electricians – 68 deaths (80 in 2018)
  • Construction Equipment Operators – 62 deaths (51 in 2018)
  • Painters and Paperhangers – 42 deaths (31 in 2018)
  • Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters – 40 deaths (37 in 2018)
  • Highway Maintenance Workers – 21 deaths (14 in 2018)
  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers – 18 deaths (15 in 2018)

Roofers had one of the top 10 highest fatal work injury rates for all occupations in all industries at 54.0, coming in fourth on the list. Construction trade helpers were fifth at 40.0 and structural iron and steel workers were eighth at 26.3.

Construction Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses in 2019

Of the 200,100 recorded injuries and illnesses suffered by workers in the construction industry in 2019, 40% of them involved workers missing days away from work.

Those 79,660 injuries and illnesses that required days away from work resulted in 21,170 sprains, strains and tears; 15,150 incidences of soreness or pain; 13,190 fractures; and 10,950 cuts, lacerations, and punctures.

The median time away from work after suffering an injury or illness on the job in construction was 13 days in 2019, up from 10 days in 2017 and 2018. Of the 79,660 accident injuries involving days of work missed, 9,110 involved only one day away from work.

On the other end of the spectrum, 27,190 accident injuries involved 31 days or more away from work, or 34% of all accident injuries requiring days away from work. In addition to probably meaning those were severe illnesses injuries inflicted on workers, that’s a lot of lost productivity and man-hours for employers to have to deal with. It’s not clear yet if COVID-19 played any significant role in the increase of days away from work since these would have to be illnesses contracted on the job, not outside of work.

Events Leading to Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses in Construction

For the construction industry, contact with an object or equipment was the leading event for nonfatal injuries that involved days away from work at 26,120. Next up was fall, slips, and trips which accounted for 25,460 injuries, with 13,770 being from falls to a lower level. Overexertion and bodily reaction caused 20,050 injuries and 3,760 were from transportation incidents.

Violence and other injuries by persons or animals were responsible for 550 injuries. Of those, 440 were from animal or insect-related incidents and 100 were from intentional injury by another person.

Fires and explosions caused 380 injuries and exposure to harmful substances or environments was responsible for another 2,500 injuries and illnesses.

Occupations With the Highest Number of Nonfatal Injuries in 2019

The top 10 occupations that resulted in injuries or illnesses with days away from work in the construction industry were:

  • Construction Laborers – 19,790 (20,430 in 2018)
  • Carpenters – 11,670 (12,640 in 2018)
  • Electricians – 7,400 (6,350 in 2018)
  • Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters – 6,330 (5,780 in 2018)
  • Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers – 5,130 (5,390 in 2018)
  • Roofers – 3,850 (2,060 in 2018)
  • Construction Equipment Operators – 3,630 (2,350 in 2018)
  • Construction Trade Helpers – 2,770 (3,460 in 2018)
  • Painters and Paperhangers – 2,730 (2,130 in 2018)
  • Sheet Metal Workers – 1,730 (1,280 in 2018)

The number of injuries and fatalities that occur in the construction industry each year is troubling, especially since we are seeing increases both in total numbers and rates. Construction safety training needs to be a major focus for improvement in the industry.

Workers need to know how to perform their jobs safely and are equipped with the proper safety and personal protective equipment. The rules and standards set out by OSHA are the bare minimum that employers are required to follow to ensure each and every worker makes it home safely at the end of each shift.

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, productive, and prosperous New Year!

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About Kendall Jones

Kendall Jones is the Editor in Chief at ConstructConnect. He has been writing about the construction industry for years, covering a wide range of topics from safety and technology to industry news and operating insights.

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The World's Deadliest Construction Projects, Visualized

The infrastructure being built for Qatar’s World Cup is using the most cutting-edge construction technologies. Yet due to the poor treatment of migrant workers, an estimated 4,000 people could die building it. A new timeline of construction deaths shows this inconsistency throughout history: Even though construction methods have improved over time, worker conditions don’t always keep pace.

Last year, on the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal, I chose 10 construction projects that took exceptionally high numbers of human lives to highlight the price of progress across varying pieces of infrastructure. Rob Tindula at Safer America used my reporting and added some data-crunching of his own on behalf of the attorney group DAM Firm . He plotted each of the projects chronologically on a timeline and added more notable structures. But he also did something really smart: He calculated the number of reported deaths per 1000 workers, which gives even more insight into how dangerous some of these conditions were for humans.

Beyond the usual marquee-grabbing projects like the Panama Canal and Burma-Siam Railway, Tindula adds many projects to the timeline which I didn’t even know were so dangerous, like how Vegas’s CityCenter was nicknamed CityCemetery for six construction worker deaths. I was actually shocked to learn how many people died building skyscrapers like the Sears Tower and World Trade Center; that even well into the 1970s these could be dangerous places to work. And that the Chrysler Building, which was constructed in the 1920s at a frenetic speed to win New York City’s skyscraper race , killed no workers at all.

Tindula also came across some bizarre trivia in his research: During the Golden Gate Bridge’s construction , a rule of thumb among construction crews building large steel structures was that that one worker would be killed for every million dollars spent. “It seems that what we are comfortable with as a society, in terms of human lives for these massive projects, is always shifting and hopefully we get to a point where no life is ever devalued to the point of being expendable,” he says.

A few disclaimers, which are the same for my original article: Tindula and I both focused on projects built in the modern age, as construction records are more accurate. (There are accounts that 400,000 to one million people died building the Great Wall of China, for example, which cannot easily be verified.) The way that projects record and report deaths are also different so there’s really no universal standard for the stats.

But one trend is clear—and this holds true for what’s happening in Qatar—the unethical treatment of migrant workers or prisoner labor always results in a higher number of deaths. Even though what’s happening in Qatar is horrific, it’s better than what might have happened a century ago, says Tindula. “As awful as conditions are for those poor workers today, it’s almost impossible for us to fully grasp how horrible conditions were in the past.”

[ Safer America ]

construction projects with most deaths

Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases 2021 Construction Industry Fatality Injury Data

Melanie Paul

Construction and extraction occupations accounted for the second highest number of occupational deaths out of the total 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in the 2021 calendar year, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, part of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Safety and Health Statistics program. This marks an 8.9% increase from the 4,764 fatal work injuries reported in 2020.

In 2021, construction and extraction occupations accounted for 951 occupational deaths. This was a 2.6% decrease in fatalities from 2020 for the construction and extraction occupations. The fatality rate for the construction and extraction occupations decreased from 13.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in 2020 to 12.3 in 2021. The rate of fatal work injuries overall was much lower, 3.6 fatalities per 100,000 FTE workers.

Falls, slips, and trips accounted for a substantial portion of the fatalities in construction. There were 370 fatalities in 2021 in the construction and extraction occupations due to falls, slips, and trips, accounting for a 7.2% increase from 2020. Despite the increase, falls, slips, and trips fatalities are still down 9.3% from 2019, when construction and extraction occupations experienced 408 fatalities.

Rate by Trade

Fatality injury rates varied depending on the trade. According to the BLS, among the highest fatalities per 100,000 FTE workers were roofers (59) and iron and steel workers (36.1). Fatal injury rates for other trades included:

  • Plumbers/pipelayers/pipefitters/steamfitters (5.7)
  • Carpenters (5.9)
  • Electricians (7.2)
  • Painters/paperhangers (11.6)
  • Construction equipment operators (11.9)
  • Construction laborers (12.8)

OSHA Guidance

Addressing the BLS report, National Counsel for Occupational Safety and Health Co-Executive Director Jessica E. Martinez said, “[T]oo many lives are being lost from preventable causes.” “We need an urgent wake-up call to our employers and our government,” she continued. “Listen to workers. Enforce our safety laws. Remove known hazards, and let’s work together to make sure every worker comes home safely at the end of every shift.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued guidance aimed at substantially increasing penalties for certain violations, including citations related to fatalities and failing to report fatalities.

A tremendous amount of essential in-person training time was lost by companies in the past few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may account for these rising statistics. Companies should consider ramping up their training programs, especially in light of the increasing citations and penalties as part of OSHA’s 2023 enforcement initiatives.

If you have any questions or need legal assistance, please contact the Jackson Lewis attorney with whom you regularly work or a member of our Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group .

© 2023 Jackson Lewis P.C. This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient. Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 950+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee. For more information, visit https://www.jacksonlewis.com .

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Fatalities in the Construction Industry: A Timeline

  • By Toni Villanueva
  • Feb 24, 2021

The construction work sector is one of the most dangerous among all occupations. According to OSHA , around 20 percent—1,061—worker fatalities took place in the construction industry in 2019, representing one in five workers.  

Fortunately, thanks to industrial and technological breakthroughs, construction safety continues to be a growing priority for industry and government agencies. To grasp the enormity of construction fatalities across the centuries, it’s vital to understand the factors and work conditions across history as it relates to improvements in safety products and practices. Here’s an overview that includes a timeline from the law firm of DiMarco, Aruajo and Montevideo.   

Construction Fatalities Timeline  

1817-1825, erie canal  .

Widely regarded as one of the first fatal construction series of incidents in American history, the Erie Canal took the lives of 1,000 out of 50,000 workers over an eight-year period through a series of safety and environmental hazards—many of which could have been avoided.   

1883, Brookyln Bridge  

Of the 600 workers employed to build this iconic bridge, 30 died mostly from falls, falling debris and equipment malfunction.  

1937, Golden Gate Bridge  

Although one of the largest bridge projects of its time, the Golden Gate Bridge saw fewer fatalities with 11 deaths—10 of which happened in a single accident involving the destruction of a work platform. The contractors required hard hats and deployed safety netting, a sign of an increasing awareness for the need of construction safety equipment.   

2009-City Center Las Vegas  

Known as one of the largest privately financed construction projects ever in the U.S., the Las Vegas CityCenter—a development that comprised 76 acres and six hotel towers—was completed in three years. Of the 8,000 workers, six died over the project’s run—two from falls and four from fatal injuries after being struck or crushed by materials.   

Construction Safety Solutions  

While construction fatalities will likely never be eradicated, site managers can take proactive steps to see the statistics begin to decrease. Beyond training programs and managerial awareness, companies can benefit from a safety audit to consider the deployment of key construction safety soluti ons. With a solid reputation for quality and service, Checkers ® is doing its part to mitigate construction fatalities through asset and worker safety solutions:   

Cable and Hose Protectors    

Above ground cable protection ramps and covers guard cables against wear and tear from pedestrian and vehicle traffic while also keeping workers from getting their feet tangled, reducing potential fall hazards. Solutions such as the 5-Channel Heavy-Duty Yellow Jacket ® cable protector with a hinged lid provides a safe crossing in high volume traffic areas while protecting valuable electrical cables and hose lines from damage. The heavy-duty modular interlocking design is ideal for use in industrial, commercial and public applications.   

Constructed of all-weather polyurethane and a patented 5-bar tread surface, the Checkers Safety™ 5-Channel General-Purpose Guard Dog® ADA cable protectors are equipped with built-in accessibility ramps for added safety, providing safe passage for both vehicle and foot traffic without the need for separate connectors. Featuring a modular, interlocking design available in lightweight 18'' sections, the Guard Dog features a reinforced hinged lid allows for easy cable placement. A recessed carrying handle on the protector's underside makes transportation easy.   

Wheel Chocks  

Chocking (or blocking) prevents construction vehicles from rolling or overturning while employees are working around the vehicle—loading, unloading, etc. Checkers Safety offers a variety of wheel chocks engineered in collaboration with safety experts to work with ground equipment, commercial and military vehicles. In addition, Checkers Safety chocks have been field-tested by expert team members under a variety of conditions to prevent non-motorized, uncontrolled movement of on and off-road vehicles.   

Our UC1500 General-Purpose utility wheel chocks are manufactured with highly durable, lightweight polyurethane and are third-party tested, certified and trusted by fleets globally. Ideal for use with over-the-road trucks, trailers, pickups and utility vehicles, the UC1500 is rated for vehicles with tire sizes up to 35 in. (88.9 cm) diameter, and gross vehicle operating weight up to 60,000 lbs. (27,273 kg) for the UC1500-4.5, and up to 70,000 lbs. (31,818 kg) for the UC1500-6.  

Ground Protection  

Providing proper temporary access and ground protection to construction sites—from vehicle passage matting to outrigger crane padding—further enhances an environment of safety for any construction site. The AlturnaMAT® Ground Protection Mat boasts an aggressive diamond plate tread design and a high load capacity ideal for use over soft or sensitive ground conditions in the construction, civil engineering, groundwork, and events industries. These rugged mats are made of 0.5in. (12.7 mm) thick polyethylene making them virtually indestructible and can withstand loads of up to 120 tons.  

As technology affords the construction industry more and better options to enhance site safety, putting your trust in an industry leader with decades of experience will remain vital. For a complete consultation of your site-safety needs, contact a trained professional at Checkers Safety today.  

Posted in Workplace Safety

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Fatal injuries in U.S. construction industry 2011-2021

Number of work-related deaths in the construction industry in the united states from 2011 to 2021.

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The figures provided include, but are not limited to, the Construction Focus Four hazards - falls, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between - as defined

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RankRed

12 of the Deadliest Construction Projects in History

Since the last century, thousands of people have sacrificed their lives by involving themselves in astounding construction works. It is now very common that serious accidents and deaths occur during construction. Most of the countries have strict regulation regarding safety rules. We all learn from our previous mistakes, the only good thing about these accidents is, some of them gave rise to new safety standards. The following projects include all reasons of deaths such as disease due to working condition, poor safety systems etc. The following list contains 12  deadliest construction projects  ever in history.

Table of Contents

12. Fort Peck Dam

Fort Peck Dam

On 22nd September 1938, an engineer noticed a few problems in the wall of the dam. In the afternoon, cracks appeared on the wall and it began to slide back to the pool area. On that day, 134 men were working at the site. After some time, the whole dam start sliding and around twenty people were carried with it. Most of the dead  bodies were never recovered . Other than the flooding, many people were killed at the construction site. Very high water pressure was reported as the reason of the accident.

11. Willow Island Disaster

Willow Island Disaster

The Willow Island disaster was the crumble of an under construction cooling tower of a power plant. On 27th April 1978, 51 workers were killed due to falling concrete tower. At that time, lots of thermal power plant was built and this is 1300 megawatts power plant building at the Willow Island. That day, when the cooling tower reached a height of 51 meters, the crane fell toward the tower. As the result, the whole tower collapsed and  killed all the workers . Many of them were identified by the documents found in their pockets.

10. World Trade Center Twin Tower

World Trade Center Twin Tower

The twin towers of New York were the tallest building at the time of opening in 1973. They were 526 and 541 meters high and each have 110 floors. Due to less safety, many workers died at the construction site. The authority of the construction site estimated the total  death toll at 60  but everyone has a doubt in mind regarding the death stats. Some unnamed sources came up with terrified data about the accuracy of deaths. On 11th September 2001, Al-Qaeda hijacked two planes and completely destroyed both the towers.

9. Grand Coulee Dam

Grand Coulee Dam

Building a big dam involves explosions and hard work at high heights. Grand Coulee Dam was constructed between 1933 and 1942 on the Columbia River in Washington. Now it is the largest electric power producing dam in the United States. To build the dam, a few hundreds of people sacrificed their lives. There is no exact report but some sources state that the  death toll was more than eighty . Most of them were killed due to falling from the dam.

8. Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam, also known as Boulder Dam constructed on the Colorado River. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936. The dam has the largest reservoir in the United States. Official report states that thousands of workers contributed their efforts and more than  one hundred people  lost their lives during the whole project. At that time, many workers were injured during construction and died later in the camp and they never included in the record.

7. Aswan Dam

Aswan Dam

The Aswan Dam is also known as High Dam, is situated in the Nile River in Egypt. It was built for the purpose to control floods, generate electricity and provide water for plantation. According to some source, more than 300,000 workers contributed to this construction and around  550 lost their lives  during construction. All the deaths were caused because of lack of safety tools. Now this dam has a large impact on the economy and growth of the nation.

6. Karakoram Highway

Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway connects China and Pakistan through Khunjerab Pass. It is the highest paved international road in the world at an altitude of 4693 meters. Due to the extreme conditions in which it was constructed, it is also referred as the eighth wonders of the world. It was constructed between 1959 and 1978. During the construction project, a confirmed report states that more than  900 people were dead  and most of them because of landslides.

5. Hawk Nest Tunnel

Hawk Nest Tunnel

The Hawk Nest tunnel disaster is one of the worst industrial disasters in the United States history. In 1927, three thousand workers were sent to the West Virginia for a hydroelectric project. While construction, workers found silica and the officer asked them to mine it too for purification process of steel. But they were not given any type of protection. A confirmed report counts the death toll at over 470 but other sources ranges more than  one thousand workers .

4. United States Transcontinental Railroad

United States Transcontinental Railroad

In 1860s, the United States government decided to lay down more than 1900 miles of railway track from Council Bluff to San Francisco. This was the first railroad in the United States which later became a dangerous project. During construction, thousands of labors were dead due to less safety to their life. There is no official death record because all the workers were prisoners or illegal immigrant. There are many unconfirmed reports that count the total deaths between  1000-1500 .

3. White Sea Baltic Sea Canal

White Sea Baltic Sea Canal

The White Sea Baltic Sea Canal connects the White Sea in Russia with Lake Onega. It was constructed between 1931 and 1933. It is 227 km in length and has limited advantage due to its low depth of only 3.5 meters. A rough report claimed that 126,000 workers were forced to work at the construction site, out of which around 12,000 were dead. According to other unofficial report, the total  death toll was 25,000 . Most of the people died of tortures, malnutrition and plague because all the workers were illegal immigrants.

2. Panama Canal

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 77 km long canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest engineering project in history and also one of the deadly construction projects. France began the construction in 1880 and around 25,000 workers were dead because of the harsh conditions. In 1904, the US took the construction and that time 5600 more workers died of disease and starvation. During the whole project, around  30,600 workers died . Currently, the canal is under construction for another lane and scheduled to open in 2016.

1. Burma-Siam Railway Construction

Burma-Siam Railway Construction - Deadliest Construction Projects

The Burma Railway or Death Railway is a 415 km long railway track that connects Burma, Thailand, Bangkok and Rangoon. It was built-in 1943 during the World War II. More than 180,000 Asian civilian labors and over 60,000 prisoners were forced to do work on the construction site. Out of these, around  90,000 civilians and over 12,000 prisoners died  of several reasons. Most of them died of starvation and brutality of officers. Few workers were eaten by lions during the whole project.

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[…] Sources: Gizmodo, RankRed […]

on number 3 the workers were not illegal immigrants, they were mostly political prisoners. thats a blatent re write of history to suit an agenda.

Safety and Health

Construction jobsite deaths, fatality rate climb.

Safety chart

Transportation and fall accidents were higher in 2019 compared to the previous year in all industries.

Chart courtesy Bureau of Labor Statistics

Construction workplace fatalities continued to rise, reaching a 12-year-high in 2019 and the industry’s fatal-injury rate also turned upward, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

The BLS annual report on occupational deaths , released on Dec. 16, shows that private-sector construction fatalities climbed last year by about 5%, to 1,061.

BLS said that was the largest number of fatalities since 2007.

In addition, BLS figures show that construction’s fatality rate increased last year, to 9.7 per 100,000 full-time employees, from 9.5 in 2018 and 2017.

The injury rate is a key indicator of safety trends because it adjusts for annual changes in the number of workers and the volume of construction work.

Building Trades' Comments

Chris Trahan Cain, safety and health director for the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), told ENR by email, “The newly released fatality number is troubling, because each number represents a loved one lost to mostly controllable hazards on jobsites.”

Cain adds that an initial look at the BLS construction-specific numbers by researchers at CPWR-The Center for Construction Research “suggests that a sharp uptick in falls from heights may be the driver for the increase.”

The center is a nonprofit created by NABTU.

Cain says, “We will know more once we dig further in, but it is tragic that this well-understood hazard continues to claim so many construction workers’ lives.”

ABC, AGC comments

Greg Sizemore, Associated Builders and Contractors' vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, said via email, "This is a disappointing report and makes apparent that more work must be done in our industry to not only protect our employees from jobsite hazards but also improve the total human health of the construction workforce."

Sizemore adds, "Bottom line: One construction worker fatality is one too many."

He says ABC's annual safety performance report shows that "leadership is key to implementing and sustaining a safety culture in an organization."

Sizemore adds that ABC member companies that take part in the association's STEP Safety Management System "are more than eight times safer than the BLS industry average."

Brian Turmail, a spokesperson for the Associated General Contractors of America, said in an email that an AGC 2019 survey showed that “a significant percentage of firms reported worries that the infusion of new and relatively inexperienced workers was having an impact on construction safety.”

That development helped prompt AGC to join the National Construction Safety Week last year and to continue offering a variety of construction safety programs, Turmail says. AGC stepped up those efforts in 2020, he adds.

He says, “The bottom line is we need to constantly reinforce and enforce all safety measures and redouble our efforts to protect the health and safety of the industry’s workers.”

Turmail adds, “We have a lot of work to do, but will not rest until we get to zero fatalities."

For all industries and governmental bodies, BLS reports that the number of fatal injuries rose 2% in 2019, to a total of 5,333. The fatal-injury rate held steady at 3.5/100,000 full-time workers.

BLS noted that the 5,333 total was the highest annual level since 2007.

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Tom Ichniowski has been writing about the federal government as ENR’s Washington Bureau Chief since the George H.W. Bush administration, and he has covered at least five major highway bills. A recognized expert on government policy on infrastructure and regulation, Tom is also a Baltimore native and Orioles fan who grew up rooting for Brooks and Frank Robinson. He is a graduate of Columbia College and Columbia’s graduate school of journalism, where he once used “unrelentless” in a headline.

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Wonderful Engineering

10 Deadliest Construction Projects In History

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While we judge the astonishing dams, bridges, roads, etc. constructions on nothing more than their cost, viability, aesthetics, utility, etc., there’s another side that we oft forget; the price paid in terms of human lives! Major construction sites are ridden with danger, and despite all the safety procedures, the threat to life and limb is a very real one. Today, we are going to cover ten construction projects that were very deadly to their workers!

10. Willow Island Disaster – 1978

Death toll: All workers! 51

A sole incident in this project killed 51 workers, the entire workforce in one swoop! A crane failed and collapsed in the Willow Island and hit the tower which collapsed it and crushed all the workers to death.

9. Grand Coulee Dam – 1933-1942

Death toll: 80+ workers

Building dams is always a risky business, but few come closer to the human cost of Grand Coulee Dam. The project was undertaken between 1933 and 1942 on the Columbia River in the US, and this massive hydroelectric dam killed over 80 workers as they fell over during the construction.

8. Hoover Dam – 1931-1935

Death toll: 100 workers

Hoover Dam is an impressive structure but took the lives of over 100 people who died due to heat stroke, cardiac arrest and other accidents at work. As the risk of sounding like a sadistic, the death toll is very small given the scale of the project.

7. Aswan Dam – 1960-70

Death toll: 550 workers

The project entailed rerouting the Nile river and employed a workforce of over 30,000 workers. Over 500 people lost their lives. The dam was so large in scale that  100,000  people were relocated and many archeological sites were also lost.

6. Karakoram Highway – 1959-78

Death toll: 900 people

The Karakoram highway connects Pakistan’s capital Islamabad to Kashgar in China. The project holds the record of the highest elevation paved international road in the world and goes through the most treacherous pathways. Many people lost their lives due to landslides, and the road still poses a threat to its users.

5. Hawks Nest Tunnel – 1927

Death toll: 470 to 1000 workers

The project was to create a diversion for the New River in West Virginia, but this turned out to be no easy task as due to bad health and safety regulations, over a 1000 people died from silicosis because of mining operations.

4. United States Transcontinental Railroad – 1860’s

Death toll:  Estimated to be between 1000-1500

During the mid-1800’s the US government started the railway project between Council Bluff and San Francisco. Back then, the country was ridden by slavery and illegal immigrants, so there was no real concern for the workers’ well-being. As a result, nearly 1500 workers died, although the actual numbers have been covered up.

3. White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal – 1931-1933

Death toll: 12,000 – 25,000

This  227 km long canal connects the White Sea, Russia to Lake Onega. The project employed  126,000 workers, but also led to deaths between 12,000 and 25,000.  Many people died due to torture, malnutrition, and plague.

2. Panama Canal – 1880-1914

Death toll: Around 27,500  throughout all phases

The greatest marvel of the 20th century, the Panama Canal was built over several years. The project was started by the French, but they had to stop the construction in the 1800s simply due to the high death tolls resulting from fever and malaria!

You can read more about the construction of Panama Canal , a wonder of the modern world, here.

This Is The Story Of How The Panama Canal Was Constructed

1. Burma-Siam Railway, 1942-1943

Death toll: 90,000 Civilians and 12,400 (possible 16,000) POW’s

The infamous “Death Railway” was built by the Japanese in WW2 to supply troops and weapons to Burma. Residents and prisoners of war were used in the construction, and due to the urgency and inhumane treatment, around 90,000 civilians, and 12,400 Allied POWs died. The documentary below, “Bridge over the River Kwai,” is an ignoble testimony of the struggle of the POWs during this shocking period of history.

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Top 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World

Sally Polly

Safety is mandatory in the construction industry, and many countries have strict construction rules which contractors must follow. However, we still hear of numerous contractors ignoring these safety procedures. The construction industry is hazardous, and thousands of people have lost their lives in the past while erecting some of the magnificent structures we see today, due to the lack of safety procedures and ignorance. Some of the most deadly construction projects of all time are listed below, according to World Atlas.

The human cost of construction

Construction can be a risky business. Over the past 200 years, hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives while working on construction projects, whether from accidents, equipment failure or unsafe working conditions. In recent years, deaths on major construction sites have decreased, as safety protocols, labor rights and equipment have improved.

A new interactive timeline by Southern California law firm DIMARCO | ARAUJO | MONTEVIDEO includes some of the world’s most significant architecture and infrastructure projects, including the Panama Canal (30,609 deaths), Hoover Dam (96 deaths), World Trade Center (60 deaths) and Brookyln Bridge (30 deaths). The timeline puts some of the deadliest projects in context, showing how major construction projects from the past 200 years compare in terms of lives lost. The timeline also breaks down each project’s death rate per thousand workers.

The timeline also includes some surprisingly non-lethal construction projects, from New York’s Chrysler Building, which had zero deaths among the 3,000 workers who completed it in 1930, to the Eiffel Tower, which had just one reported death during its construction in 1889. The Empire State Building and Chicago’s Sears Tower both reported just five deaths during their respective construction periods.

One of the most-deadly projects was the Suez Canal. Its construction led to the deaths of 120,000 of the hired and forced laborers who dug it out over a decade in the mid-1800s. With roughly 1.5 million people involved in the construction, that represents a rate of 80 deaths per 1,000 workers — a rate comparable to that for the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the U.S., which claimed 1,200 of its 15,000 workers. The most devastating project was the Panama Canal, which had more than 30,000 deaths, representing about 40 percent of its workforce.

The List of Top 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World

10. World Trade Center

9. Erie Canal

8. Brooklyn Bridge

7. Karakoram Highway

6. Suez Canal

5. Transcontinental Railroad

4. White Sea-Baltic Sea Canal

3. Hawk Nest Tunnel

2. Burma-Siam Railway

1. Panama Canal

What Are The Deadliest Construction Projects In The World?

10. world trade center - 60 deaths.

The original World Trade Center was a large complex of seven buildings in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. It opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. At the time of their completion, the Twin Towers—the original 1 World Trade Center (the North Tower) at 1,368 feet (417 m); and 2 World Trade Center (the South Tower) at 1,362 feet (415.1 m)—were the tallest buildings in the world. Other buildings in the complex included the Marriott World Trade Center (3 WTC), 4 WTC, 5 WTC, 6 WTC, and 7 WTC. The complex contained 13,400,000 square feet (1,240,000 m2) of office space.

During its existence, the World Trade Center experienced several major incidents, including a fire on February 13, 1975; a bombing on February 26, 1993; and a bank robbery on January 14, 1998. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda-affiliated hijackers flew two Boeing 767 jets into the Twin Towers within minutes of each other; less than two hours later, both towers collapsed. The attacks killed 2,606 people in and within the vicinity of the towers, as well as all 157 on board the two aircraft. Falling debris from the towers, combined with fires that the debris initiated in several surrounding buildings, led to the partial or complete collapse of all the WTC complex’s buildings and caused catastrophic damage to 10 other large structures in the surrounding area.

Built by a team of 3,500 workers at a time, the 110 floor towers ranked as the fifth and sixth tallest buildings in the world at the time of their destruction in 2001. Official records state that 60 people died from construction related accidents, which is a relatively high number considering how modern the towers were.

9. Erie Canal - 1,000 deaths

The Erie Canal in New York is part of the east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System (formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal). It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, originally stretching for 363 miles (584 km) from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo. Completed in 1825, it was the second-longest canal in the world (after the Grand Canal in China) and greatly enhanced the development and economy of the cities of New York, including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and New York City, as well as the United States. This was in part due to the new ease of transport of salt and other goods, and industries that developed around those.

Called the 8th wonder of the world when it was completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected Lake Erie to the Hudson River and was instrumental in opening the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains to settlers and trade. It took a total of 8 years and some 50,000 laborers working for 80 cents a day to complete the iconic 363 mile long passage. Of the 50,000 workers, 1,000 lost their lives, due to disease from the swampy terrain and careless use of gunpowder while blasting. Others drowned or were buried under tons of rubble from frequent canal collapses.

8. Brooklyn Bridge – 30 deaths

The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge in New York City, spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Opened on May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first fixed crossing of the East River. It was also the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening, with a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 m) and a deck 127 ft (38.7 m) above mean high water. The span was originally called the New York and Brooklyn Bridge or the East River Bridge but was officially renamed the Brooklyn Bridge in 1915.

Linking Manhattan and Brooklyn since its completion in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic structures found in the United States. Surprisingly, the over a mile long bridge only employed 600 workers who worked for $2 a day for about 13 years until its completion. Of these 600 laborers there were 30 fatalities, including the designer of the bridge, John A. Roebling, who had his foot crushed while taking compass readings and died a few weeks later of tetanus. The remaining casualties came from falls, falling debris, and cases of caisson disease, known as “the bends.” Even though the bridge is over 130 years old, today it still carries around 150,000 cars and pedestrians each day.

7. Karakoram Highway – 1,300 deaths

The Karakoram Highway or the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway) is a 1,300 km (810 mi) national highway which extends from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China and becomes China National Highway 314. The highway connects the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plus Gilgit-Baltistan with China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The highway is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the highest paved roads in the world, passing through the Karakoram mountain range, at 36°51′00″N 75°25′40″E at maximum elevation of 4,714 m (15,466 ft) near Khunjerab Pass. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The highway is also a part of the Asian Highway AH4.

The Karakoram highway is the 808-mile long highway that extends from Khujerab-Pass to Punjab. It connects Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan with Xinjiang Uyghur in China. It is one of the highest highways on earth and passes the 15,466 foot high Karakoram Mountain. The road was built between 1959 and 1978. The death rate of the Karakoram Highway was 54.17 per 1,000 employees. The majority of workers died due to falls and landslides. Over 200 Chinese and 810 Pakistani employees lost their lives while building the highway.

6. Suez Canal – 120,000 deaths

The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and dividing Africa and Asia. The canal is part of the Silk Road that connects Europe with Asia.

In 1858, Ferdinand de Lesseps formed the Suez Canal Company for the express purpose of building the canal. Construction of the canal lasted from 1859 to 1869. The canal officially opened on 17 November 1869. It offers vessels a direct route between the North Atlantic and northern Indian oceans via the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, avoiding the South Atlantic and southern Indian oceans and reducing the journey distance from the Arabian Sea to London by approximately 8,900 kilometres (5,500 mi), or 10 days at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) to 8 days at 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph). The canal extends from the northern terminus of Port Said to the southern terminus of Port Tewfik at the city of Suez. Its length is 193.30 km (120.11 mi) including its northern and southern access-channels. In 2020, more than 18,500 vessels traversed the canal (an average of 51.5 per day).

Completed in 1869, the Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean and Red Seas allowing for water transport between Europe and Asia without having to circumvent Africa. The 101 mile long passage employed an impressive 1.5 million both forced and hired laborers from various countries, mainly Egypt, with as many as 120,000 dying during the 11 year excavation process. Today more than half of the inter-continental shipping of the entire world passes through this canal.

5. Transcontinental Railroad – 1,200 deaths

North America's first transcontinental railroad (known originally as the "Pacific Railroad" and later as the "Overland Route") was a 1,911-mile (3,075 km) continuous railroad line constructed between 1863 and 1869 that connected the existing eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa with the Pacific coast at the Oakland Long Wharf on San Francisco Bay. The rail line was built by three private companies over public lands provided by extensive US land grants. Construction was financed by both state and US government subsidy bonds as well as by company issued mortgage bonds. The Western Pacific Railroad Company built 132 mi (212 km) of track from the road's western terminus at Alameda/Oakland to Sacramento, California. The Central Pacific Railroad Company of California (CPRR) constructed 690 mi (1,110 km) east wm Sacramento to Promontory Summit, Utah Territory. The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) built 1,085 mi (1,746 km) from the road's eastern terminus at the Missouri River settlements of Council Bluffs and Omaha, Nebraska westward to Promontory Summit.

15,000 worked on this project which was started in 1863. White men were paid $35.00 a month plus room and board. Chinese were paid $25.00 a month, but paid for their own supplies. However the number of 1,200 was never verified. One newspaper article entitled “Bones in Transit” of June 30, 1870 in the Sacramento Reporter reported that “about 20,000 pounds of bones” dug up from shallow graves were taken by train for return to China, calculating that this amounted to 1,200 Chinese. Another article published on the same day in the Sacramento Union stated that only the bones of about 50 Chinese were on the train. Others believe that some Chinese must have also died in a smallpox outbreak among railroad workers, although there are no records if any of the dead were Chinese. In addition, there were reports of Chinese workers being killed in Nevada as the result of Indian raids.

3. Hawk Nest Tunnel – 764 deaths

The Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster was a large-scale incident of occupational silicosis as the result of the construction of the Hawks Nest Tunnel near Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, as part of a hydroelectric project. This project is considered to be one of the worst industrial disasters in American history.

The construction of a three mile long tunnel through Gauley Mountain in West Virginia in 1931 is known as one of the worst industrial disasters in United States history because of the certainty of death. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of fatalities from the 5000 person workforce because many died from silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can take a few years to become fatal. For example, it’s estimated that at least 764 of the 1213 men who worked underground for a mere 2 months died within five years of the tunnel’s completion, but other estimates raise this figure to over 2000. Thus, many of these laborers, who were only working for 25 cents a day, would almost certainly pay with their life by staying underground for even relatively short periods of time.

2. Burma-Siam Railway – 106,000 deaths

The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, the Siam–Burma Railway, the Thai–Burma Railway and similar names, is a 415 km (258 mi) railway between Ban Pong, Thailand and Thanbyuzayat, Burma, built by prisoners of war of the Japanese from 1940–1944 to supply troops and weapons in the Burma campaign of World War II. This railway completed the rail link between Bangkok, Thailand and Rangoon, Burma. The name used by the Japanese Government is Tai–Men Rensetsu Tetsudō (泰緬連接鉄道), which means Thailand-Burma-Link-Railway.

The Burma-Siam railway, also known as the Burma railway or even the Death Railway, is the 258-mile long railway that connects Thanbyuzayat, Burma to Ban Pong, Thailand. The Empire of Japan built the railway to support their troops in the Burma campaign of the Second World War in 1943. Over 61,000 prisoners and 250,000 laborers were forced to make the railway. The entire project resulted in the death of about 12,000 prisoners and 90,000 laborers. The majority of these people died due to starvation and the officers’ brutality while lions killed others.

1. Panama Canal – 30,609 deaths

The Panama Canal (Spanish: Canal de Panamá) is an artificial 82 km (51 mi) waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and divides North and South America. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduces the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America via the Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan and the even less popular route through the Arctic Archipelago and the Bering Strait.

Connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans for maritime trade, the Panama Canal is one of the most notable engineering achievements of the modern world and also one of the most deadly. Managed by a number of different countries over its 32 year construction period, the 48 mile canal took about 75,000 laborers of various origins to complete. However, the region was dubbed the “Fever Coast,” with instances of everything from small pox and typhoid to yellow fever, causing an astounding 30,609 workers to die and hospitalizing thousands more. Coupled with poor working conditions, malnutrition, and frequent accidents, workers would watch as their fallen comrades were shipped away in droves by coffin every evening.

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THE CITY

NYC Construction Death Toll Hit 24 in ’22, New Report Finds

T wenty-four construction workers died on the job in New York City in 2022, according to a new report, up from 20 the previous year.

The 10th annual analysis of federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, a worker safety watchdog group, makes year-to-year comparisons by looking at the death rate per 100,000 workers.

In 2022, the rate in New York City was 11.5 per 100,000, up from 11.2 in 2021. Fatalities are now back up to levels of pre-pandemic 2019, the report shows. 

Behind the statistics, each death is “a worker who had a family, who was a loved one in their community, who lost their lives,” said Charlene Obernauer, executive director of NYCOSH. 

“Every single time it does not cease to amaze me how preventable these injuries and fatalities are, and how every single one is connected to a worker who has a story, who’s had a full life before that moment, when their life was put to an end as a result of unsafe construction sites,” she said. 

Those who died in 2022 include 27-year-old Raúl Tenelema Pulí of Corona, Queens, and Jeremy Rozan , 34, of Staten Island, who died within days of each other on separate job sites. 

Tenelema Pulí, who was a performer with a Ecuadorian folk dance group , was installing a sidewalk shed in preparation for construction of an apartment tower downtown Brooklyn when he fell 20 feet to his death on Nov. 2. That building, a project of the Rabsky Group , is now nearing completion.

A day earlier, Rozan, a father of three, was helping shore up the Roosevelt Avenue overpass near Citi Field when he stepped through a piece of plywood that gave way and plummeted to the Van Wyck Expressway below, where he was hit by a passing driver. 

A member of the Structural Steel & Bridge Painters of Greater New York Local Union 806 , he was described by friends as “the most loving, fun spirited, good-hearted, caring person ever.”

But non-union workers are disproportionately at risk of death: At the 39 sites OSHA inspected after a fatality in 2022, 90% of the workers were non-union.

Short Staffing

The report also found staffing deficiencies for local and federal regulators. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted 3,183 inspections in 2022 – 29% fewer than in pre-pandemic 2019. 

OSHA’s average fine for construction firms found responsible for fatalities decreased from $67,681 in 2021 to $59,075 in 2022 — ending a five-year trend of increases, according to NYCOSH.

Six months after Tenelema Pulí’s death, Nunez Consulting Services Corp., a subcontractor overseeing the construction of the 35 story high-rise, was initially hit with fines totaling $128,132 and later settled with OSHA for a $90,000 penalty , records show. OSHA found that Nunez had failed to provide fall protection for workers.

Nuco Painting, a Long Island-based company specializing in industrial painting and steel repair, was fined $22,876 in connection with Rozan’s death, records from OSHA show. Nuco is still contesting OSHA’s proposed penalty.

OSHA spokesperson Edmund Fitzgerald said in a statement that the agency would not comment on NYCOSH’s report because it had not seen it, but that it shared the organization’s “desire to improve worker safety and health.” 

The agency, he added, “seeks to educate workers and employers about their workplace rights and obligations, enforce workplace safety and health regulations and standards and focus attention on protecting vulnerable workers and holding recalcitrant employers responsible.”

The report also cites data from the city showing that in October 2022 the Department of Buildings, which handles safety enforcement for structures built for occupancy , had the highest job vacancy rate of the city’s largest agencies and the fourth-highest vacancy rate overall at 22.7%.

DOB spokesperson Andrew Rudansky noted that field inspections increased 2% over the first four months of the 2024 fiscal year compared to the previous year, and that the agency’s vacancy rate is now 10%.

He also said that a majority of on-the-job deaths mentioned in NYCOSH’s report occurred outside of the agency’s jurisdiction, such as health-related ailments or accidents on state or federal property.

“Thanks in part to our robust enforcement of the city’s construction safety regulations, DOB has made critical strides toward reducing the number of building construction-related fatalities, which have dropped to seven in calendar year 2023, the lowest number in nine years,” Rudansky said in a statement. “We are proud of the progress we have made to reduce building construction fatalities in New York City, and we also recognize that there is still work to be done to continue driving that number down.”

Last month, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said that while the DOB is not immune to cuts outlined in the city’s preliminary budget , the Adams administration “made a special exemption for our building inspectors and so the cuts that DOB felt did not impact to the degree their building” inspections.

“The purpose of this report is not to shame agencies, it’s not to say, ‘you all are doing something terribly wrong,’” said Obernauer. “It is to say that we need to be analyzing this data, and we need to be talking about what policy solutions there are to a potential further increase in fatalities in construction.”

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The post NYC Construction Death Toll Hit 24 in ’22, New Report Finds appeared first on THE CITY - NYC News .

Building trades union members held a vigil after construction worker Raúl Tenelema Puli’s was crushed by a scaffold at a Downtown Brooklyn development.

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Construction Industry Grapples With Its Top Killer: Drug Overdose

Construction workers are more likely to die of overdose than workers in any other occupation, forcing the industry to rethink its approach to safety.

A man speaking to dozens of workers in safety vests and hard hats at a construction site.

By J. Edward Moreno

J. Edward Moreno spoke to dozens of construction workers, addiction counselors in the industry and workplace safety experts for this article.

At One Madison, a high-rise under construction on 23rd Street in Manhattan, workers face dangers daily: live wires, electrical hazards, heavy machinery. Cold gusts of wind whip around them as they lay concrete and operate forklifts. Access to the upper floors of the 28-story building is a ride on a noisy construction elevator.

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City and federal officials visited the site recently to give a safety presentation, but they weren’t there to remind workers how to avoid falls or injuries. They were showing workers how to prevent the biggest killer in the industry: drug overdose.

“We ask you to do things based on getting home at the end of the day,” Brian Crain, a compliance assistance specialist at the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, told a crowd of over 100 workers in hard hats. “Addiction works the same way,” he said.

Construction workers already had the highest on-the-job death toll of any industry. Now they are more likely to die of overdose than those in any other line of work, according to a new analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That disparity stems in part from addictive medication workers are prescribed to manage pain from injuries, which are common because of the physical nature of the work.

It’s an issue that the industry — which is already trying to protect its workers from falls, electrocutions and chemical hazards — has struggled to get a handle on for more than a decade. The presentation at One Madison in November was just one example of how the industry has started reckoning with the problem in recent years. Unions now employ full-time addiction and mental health specialists, and workplace safety experts have increasingly had to focus on preventing overdoses.

The industry has the highest death rate attributed to overdose, according to the C.D.C. study , which was published in August. The report, the agency’s most comprehensive examination of overdose deaths by occupation, found that there were more than 162 overdose deaths per 100,000 construction workers in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available. The food service industry, with nearly 118 deaths among the same number of workers, had the second-highest rate.

But in the same year, the number of overall deaths on the job in construction was about 10 workers per 100,000, according to data from the Department of Labor, suggesting that workers were roughly 16 times as likely to die of an overdose as they were from a work-related injury.

“Statistically, this is a bigger threat to construction workers’ health and safety than the actual work,” said Brian Turmail, a spokesman at the Associated General Contractors, a construction industry trade group.

The industry mirrors demographics vulnerable to addiction: A majority of construction workers are men, who are more likely than women to die of overdoses overall. Hispanic people are overrepresented in the construction industry and have a rising overdose mortality rate overall.

The industry is often rife with casual substance use, said Aaron Walsh, an addiction recovery specialist with the St. Louis Laborers’ health and welfare fund. Mr. Walsh, who is in recovery for drug addiction, is one of two people the union employs full time to help members struggling with drug addiction.

“It’s pretty prevalent in our population,” he said.

Injuries in construction are more common than in other fields. The job is often stressful and hard on workers’ bodies, making them susceptible to injury and more likely to seek medical attention for pain relief.

In many cases, workers carry heavy tool bags on their shoulders and spend long periods bent down or on their knees. A third of construction workers have muscle or bone ailments, which make them three times as likely to be prescribed opioids for pain. They also do not often get paid sick leave, which could make opioids an option for getting back to work quickly.

Brendan Loftus knows that experience firsthand. In 1998, he fell down an elevator shaft at a construction site. He learned that he had a spinal injury while in the emergency room but decided to not manage his pain with opioids because he had already overcome an opioid addiction. He was getting married in a month, so against medical advice, he returned to work after only two weeks. “I had a wedding to pay for,” Mr. Loftus said.

Construction work tends to be cyclical, adding to the pressure to work whenever possible. Once one project is done, a worker may not know when the next one will come. Wayne Russell, 32, a construction worker from New Jersey, has been out of work since November.

“Money can stop coming in, but your bills don’t,” he said. Mr. Russell spent some of his time off taking a mental health and addiction course offered by his union, the International Union of Elevator Constructors. At a recent meeting, four of the 10 men in attendance, including Mr. Russell, had struggled with substance abuse.

Mr. Loftus, who now provides addiction services for members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, said that his union had begun to notice that the overdose problem was getting severe in 2015 when it lost five members to overdoses in 11 months, and that the problem had gotten only worse.

“If we had lost five members to on-the-job fatalities, people would be picketing in the streets,” Mr. Loftus said. “But nobody wanted to talk about this, because it was a dirty little secret.”

One of the first members Mr. Loftus helped with recovery was Michael Cruz, a 25-year-old construction worker who had an opioid addiction.

In October 2016, Mr. Cruz had just bought building supplies at Home Depot for an upcoming job when Mr. Loftus invited him to dinner. Mr. Cruz had recently checked out of a 30-day rehab program and was eager to get back to work. He was particularly excited about the next project because it would be the first he would be able to work on from start to finish.

Mr. Cruz declined the dinner invitation. Later that night, he was found at his aunt’s apartment in Queens, N.Y., dead of an apparent overdose, lying next to a bag with the measuring tape and other supplies he had bought that evening.

Mr. Loftus was the last person to speak to Mr. Cruz. “That’s how it happens,” he said. “It’s that fast.”

Across the country, overdose deaths are on the rise. That is in part because many who are addicted to prescription painkillers may turn to street drugs like fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids, which health officials say are often mixed with other stimulants. The pharmaceutical industry has been widely accused of profiting off the nation’s opioid crisis, which killed nearly 645,000 people from 1999 to 2021, according to the C.D.C.

Mr. Cruz’s addiction started with painkillers that he had been prescribed after a car accident left him with lingering back pain. Eight years later, he had just earned his first paycheck after checking out of rehab when he died.

“He was hiding it well enough,” his sister, Lizbeth Rodas, said at her home in Morristown, N.J., which was adorned with framed family photos, including two of her brother. She described Mr. Cruz as both a jokester and a gentleman who was like a brother to her children. “We thought he was cured, and everything was back to normal.”

Ms. Rodas’s husband and son both work in construction. Two years ago, when one of her sons was in a car accident, he was prescribed OxyContin for the pain. Ms. Rodas said she had begged him not to take it, and he complied.

“It was so scary for me, to think of going through the same thing again,” she said.

Mr. Cruz’s toxicology report showed traces of codeine, fentanyl and heroin in his system. Mr. Loftus, the union counselor, said most workers addicted to substances like heroin had been addicted to prescription painkillers first. Among workers’ compensation claims with at least one prescription, about one-fourth had one for an opioid, according to data from 40 states gathered by the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

Part of the challenge the industry faces is breaking the stigma of addiction. Ms. Rodas said that when she and her family were preparing Mr. Cruz’s funeral, they were unsure whether they should tell people he died of an overdose. Per their mother’s wishes, they chose to tell the truth.

“So many people came forward after that,” she said, including union colleagues.

Tackling such a pervasive issue is a gargantuan task for the industry’s safety leaders, who are used to protecting workers from physical injuries. Increasingly, construction companies are stocking job sites with Narcan, a brand name for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone .

“It’s not just about the physical safety of the workers on our job sites, it’s also what goes on when they’re not on the construction site,” said Rebecca Severson, director of safety at Gilbane Building Company, one of many that have started adding Narcan to its first-aid kits.

The Center for Construction Research and Training, a nonprofit created by a federation of construction unions, has sponsored research projects on the effectiveness of various mitigation measures, including having Narcan on job sites and offering workers paid sick leave.

Chris Trahan Cain, the center’s executive director, has decades of experience making construction jobs safer. She is an expert on chemical exposure, which is a vital concern in an industry where workers can often handle materials containing asbestos and lead.

Ms. Cain did not initially see preventing overdoses as a particularly integral part of her job. Now, it is the most acute safety issue in her field. Since 2018, she has led the group’s response to the overdose crisis ravaging the construction industry.

“As I was preparing to create this task force, I cried,” Ms. Cain said. “It’s really beyond my scope of expertise.”

Audio produced by Patricia Sulbarán .

J. Edward Moreno is a business reporter at The Times. More about J. Edward Moreno

Times of San Diego

Times of San Diego

Local News and Opinion for San Diego

San Diego Mayor Signs Project Labor Agreement for City-Funded Construction Into Law

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Mayor Todd Gloria

With a nod toward union workers, Mayor Todd Gloria Wednesday signed into law legislation allowing for an overarching project labor agreement with local labor organizations for most city-funded construction projects.

“Today represents a historic moment for workers and working families in San Diego,” Gloria said. “This project labor agreement will ensure good- paying, local jobs for San Diegans and ensure the dollars we spend on construction projects goes back into their pockets, which will help power our regional economy for years to come.”

The San Diego City Council gave its final approval to the ordinance Tuesday morning — made possible by the passage of 2022’s Measure D , reversing a 10-year-old ban on project labor agreements for city construction projects.

PLAs are “pre-hire collective bargaining agreements negotiated between construction unions and construction contractors that establish the terms and conditions of employment for construction projects,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor .

“Project labor agreements help the city of San Diego build major infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and in a way that benefits our local workers and economy,” Councilman Raul Campillo said. “In 2022, I spearheaded the city’s move to put Measure D on the ballot because it was long past time that we got rid of San Diego’s outdated ban on project labor agreements.”

The law signed Wednesday is intended to build on past PLAs in other cities, which can make it difficult for smaller construction companies to compete with large firms. It will go into effect for prime contracts and subcontracts for “covered projects” — defined as those with an estimated construction contract value of at least $5 million in the first two years of the ordinance and a contract value of $1 million or more thereafter — on July 1.

“The San Diego Building Trades, our 22 affiliated unions and over 35,000 active members are excited to enter into a programmatic project labor agreement with the city of San Diego,” said Carol Kim, business manager of the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council. “This project labor agreement is a major win for San Diegans that ensures reliable, high-quality work on capital improvement projects throughout the city.

“It also secures good, sustainable careers for thousands of local workers that will help protect and grow our economy through good times and lean times,” Kim said.

2024 Construction Trends: 30+ Experts Share Insight

2024 construction trends and predictions

In 2023, the construction industry grappled with the lingering effects of supply chain disruptions, inflation, and ever-present labor shortages —a narrative that has become all too familiar.

But amidst these challenges, construction pros remained as resilient and innovative as ever. We adopted new technologies, embraced sustainable building practices, and were more vocal about the benefits of working in the AEC field. 

And things continue to look up: Data from Deloitte shows a 7.4% increase in total construction spending in Q3 of 2023. Moreover, Reportlinker forecasts the global construction market to see a 17.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

The future is bright for the construction industry, and the best way to prepare is to stay informed and adaptive to emerging trends. 

Join a live discussion on top construction trends: Digital Builder Podcast Live: Construction Trends for 2024

To that end, we caught up with 30+ industry experts and insiders who have generously shared their perspectives and predictions for 2024.

Check out what they have to say and use their insights to kick off strong in the coming year:

  • 2024 construction trends – video recap
  • Kelly Barber, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
  • Akshay Barde, Oberoi Realty Limited
  • James Niyonkuru Bicamumpaka, Webcor Builders
  • Stephen Brooke, Burns & McDonnell
  • Brad Buckles, Charles Perry Partners, Inc.
  • Amy Bunszel, Autodesk
  • Ariel Castillo, Miller-Davis Company
  • Ariana Cohn, TIMBERLAB
  • Gert-Jan Ditsel, Dura Vermeer
  • Mark Dyke, Ferris State University
  • Brandon Floyd, Rosendin Electric
  • Nicolas Fonta, Autodesk
  • Tim Gaylord, DPR
  • Emmanuel Graves, GE Johnson
  • Sidharth Haksar, Autodesk
  • Matt Hayward, Aurecon (Digital Lead, Land and Water New Zealand, Aurecon)
  • Nicholas Klokholm, Autodesk
  • Olivier Lepinoy, Hyper Construction
  • Justin Lipsey, Autodesk
  • Randi Lucas, CNY Group
  • Mateusz Lukasiewicz, KEO International Consultants
  • Jim Lynch, Autodesk
  • Ian McGaw, Vantage Data Centers
  • Michael Milligan, SSEN Transmission
  • James Mize, CRB
  • Marcus O’Brien, Autodesk
  • Maria Fernanda Olmos, Unispace Global
  • Andrew Pangallo, Indiana Department of Transportation
  • Aaron Perry, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  • Allison Scott, Autodesk
  • Heather Sonderquist, Jacobsen Construction
  • Christy Steffen, Gaylor Electric
  • Mark Jason Villanueva, Newcon Builders Pte. Ltd.
  • Ross Wagner, Autodesk
  • May Winfield, Buro Happold
  • John Lim Ji Xiong, Gamuda Bhd
  • Tomislav Zigo, Clayco

2024 Construction Trends – A Video Recap

We also asked a few industry experts to share insight for 2024 construction trends and predictions on video. Watch what they have to say:

Top 2024 Design & Construction Trends

AR and Drone’s Impact on the Industry

“Some of the biggest construction trends and innovations that we are starting to explore are the use of AR and drones. AR has the massive potential to bring the rich information that typically stays in the office to the field. By leveraging 3D models in the field, teams can walk the projects, and ensure constructability and maintainability without having to wait for a designer to be brought on site. The key is to integrate AR seamlessly with communication processes to maintain effective collaboration without the traditional silos and disconnects between the office and field.

We are also navigating the use of drones for construction analytics. There is a significant opportunity to do risk-based inspections with this technology moving forward by providing accurate measurements and data.”

A Global Rise in Modular

“In 2024, the Indian construction industry will continue to align with global themes. This could involve an increased focus on sustainable construction, leveraging advanced technologies like BIM, and adopting eco-friendly building practices.

Additionally, India may see a rise in modular construction methods to enhance efficiency and address housing demands. Given the evolving nature of the industry, it’s crucial to stay updated on regional developments and government initiatives that may influence construction trends.”

Growth in Robotics, Hybrid Work, Data Tracking, and AR / VR

“I believe in 2024 we will see i ncreased use of construction robots as their quality of work, safety metrics, cost savings, and schedule-saving opportunities become more and more apparent across the industry from earlier users. Connected to this is that we will see more field workers get technical skills in learning how to interact and work with robots to their advantage while performing their tasks.

We will also see more companies in the AEC sector adopting hybrid work schedules by noticing the evolving preferences of the modern workforce which highlights the need for companies to be open to flexible work arrangements.

Data tracking will increase, such as tracking CO2 emissions and diverse supplier spending, as more and more companies and clients, both private and public, are driving environmental and socio-economic change in the industry by prioritizing aspects beyond the financial performance of projects.

And finally, increased use of VR and AR in transforming simulation, training, and on-site safety while allowing employees to learn new skills in a secure and engaging setting.”

AI and Data’s Impact on the Industry

“Looking ahead to emerging construction trends, it’s the combination of two key areas that have significant buzz and are starting to drive more industry innovation: artificial intelligence (AI) and data. We’ve just merely scratched the surface for AI in the industry and this year is going to be huge in determining which innovations will provide the most value and give us better data. The goal is to leverage data for QA and QC, eliminate duplication, and create more project efficiencies.

At Burns & McDonnell, one of our top priorities is determining how we can take this data to the next level. The focus is on leveraging AI and data to make teams more efficient and achieve better project outcomes. But ultimately, it’s about empowering success for our clients.”

Continued Investment in Automation and Robotic Technologies

“Prefabricated construction should be a focus in 2024, whilst companies continue to improve the supply chain process and coordination. The industry will continue to be impacted by an ever-growing shortage of skilled labor, leading to greater investment in training and education programs. It is a must that we rapidly invest in continued automation and robotic technologies to compensate for the labor shortage. AI has and will continue to help augment staffing shortages while increasing accuracy and improving time-to-delivery. Prefabricated construction again could help ease labor shortages. Historically, construction has been behind the curve in adopting technology. It is now critical that technology is not only utilized at an increased level, but also improvements continue to be made to simplify the use, while aiding in improving schedule, safety, and cost overrun risks. Technology must drive efficient project planning, better coordination amongst the trades and design team, and reduce construction times.”

The Strength of Industrialized Construction

“Industrialized construction is a trend that I am particularly enthusiastic about in 2024 and beyond. Across the world, I have seen some remarkable projects that showcase the benefits of industrialized construction. With AI advancements as well as ongoing efforts to optimize workflows within the industry, we’re going to see project efficiency scale. This is going to unlock some tremendous opportunities for industry-wide productivity and sustainability.

Secondly, renovation projects are becoming increasingly significant in the coming years. It’s projected that over half of all construction projects in the future will involve renovations. Recently, I had the opportunity to witness an incredible example in Australia – the AMP Centre in Sydney, now known as Quay Quarter Tower. This building underwent a transformative renovation where it was stripped down to its core and rebuilt, resulting in a brand-new structure. The outcome was sustainable and innovative and only highlights the exciting possibilities with more renovations.”

Greater Integration and Collaboration

“I anticipate that in 2024 our industry will maintain its course toward greater integration and collaboration, placing significant emphasis on harnessing Common Data Environment solutions. The involvement of all project stakeholders from a project’s start will be critical for improved design and project management, facilitating more extensive utilization of BIM and, subsequently, supporting the adoption of prefabrication and modular construction techniques.

Workforce challenges will continue to present obstacles, but therein lies the opportunity to invest in training and enhance workers’ digital literacy to improve efficiency and productivity.”

Opportunities for Digital Construction and Mass Timber

“Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, I see massive opportunities for the intersection of digital construction and mass timber. Currently, there is a lot of research being done to explore and test the use of mass timber for different structural elements. This would allow us to use wood in applications that we currently are only using steel or concrete for, as well as further develop hybrid systems. I’m excited about all the possibilities this opens and how we can improve the adoption and versatility of mass timber within the industry.

The next decade will also bring an increased emphasis on prefabrication within construction. With so much construction disruption happening within our cities today, minimizing time on site becomes even more critical. Embracing more prefabrication and offsite construction methods will help reduce disruptions in addition to improving efficiency and enhancing construction processes overall.”

Investing in Data Quality

“To me, the biggest trend for 2024 will be that we are going to invest in our own data quality. To have logic in place and connect information and platforms with integrations while creating data richness and quality inside our divisions will be pivotal for us in 2024.”

Growing Focus on Data Collection and Mental Health in Construction

“Data collection is something I am excited about. I teach about robotics and drones and laser scans, and I have for a while. The way we’re now collecting data and analyzing data, will enable us to predict, control, and ultimately produce better outcomes. Embracing this data is essential as we all know there are fewer people in the industry today.

On the other side, mental health and worker well-being are gaining well-deserved recognition and awareness across the construction industry. There is a growing focus on prioritizing worker well-being to ensure a better quality of life for the workforce. By recognizing our gaps and failures of the past, we can move the entire industry forward by teaching the next generation how to prioritize their mental health, resulting in better projects and, most importantly, happier, more fulfilled workers.”

Growing Power of Predictive Analytics and Mixed Reality

“Looking ahead to top construction trends of 2024, I see two key areas to keep in mind: predictive analytics and mixed reality. Predictive analytics allows proactive identification of issues. By harnessing data and utilizing advanced analytics tools, construction professionals can proactively identify potential issues and red flags before they occur on-site. On the other hand, mixed reality tools like VR and AR, as well as site scanning devices, improve visualization and data capture on construction sites.”

Continuing Evolution of eXtended Reality in Construction

“ XR (eXtended Reality) has witnessed significant technological and experiential advancements over the past five years, making it more suitable than ever for the AEC industry. Specifically in construction, firms are primarily utilizing XR in pre-construction for collaborative design reviews and constructability reviews, as well as for coordinating design and build on the job site. By connecting XR experiences to common data environments, professionals are able to enhance their collective understanding of the intended space and identify issues earlier in the process. This ultimately results in fewer errors, reduced material waste, significant cost savings, and the avoidance of scheduling delays.

The evolution of XR into real and practical applications has become a reality, enabling AEC professionals to collaborate more effectively and stay connected to their data within the appropriate context. We believe that this is just the beginning of what we can expect in the next decade.”

Robotics, AR, and VR

“Robotics is gaining significant momentum as it supplements our craft and removes our teams from harmful conditions. If we are looking long term and truly thinking big, I think the potential that robotics will build in new and wild environments, like in space, is incredible.

We also can’t forget about the potential of AR and VR. As hardware catches up with software advancements, these immersive technologies offer extensive possibilities. Imagine wearing smart visors or glasses that provide readily accessible data, revolutionizing construction processes and making them more efficient and precise. It’s like being able to build with LEGOS and knowing exactly where the next piece needs to be without having to consult paper instructions.”

Robust Digital Strategies and Automation to Streamline Operations

“In 2024, I predict that the construction industry will begin formalizing a robust digital strategy for data collection. Visionary leadership will champion a comprehensive approach, emphasizing not only the collection of project data but also fostering a culture that incentivizes stakeholders to prioritize data integrity throughout the entire project lifecycle. Forward-thinking owners, committed to digital excellence, will prioritize the quality and sustainability of their capital projects over expediting timelines using cheaper labor or materials, recognizing the potential for future rework.

The AEC industry overall will witness an increased embrace of technology beyond traditional IT, VDC, and BIM departments. This shift will encourage project teams to familiarize themselves with concepts like a common data environment through digital transformations, gradually replacing conventional methods of document sharing via email attachments. Teams will be encouraged to communicate through a singular source of truth, facilitated by cloud environments like the Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Automation will play a pivotal role in streamlining operations, with a focus on simplifying data entry tasks to reduce the likelihood of burnout among project engineers. This approach will significantly enhance efficiency while incentivizing ways to automate various business functions, like auto-tagging photos and implementing auto-naming conventions for all documents and files. I’m looking forward to observing the trends and predictions that unfold within the construction industry in 2024.”

Increased Focus on Preconstruction and Prequalification to Derisk Projects

“As the construction industry continues to evolve, several key trends are expected to shape the landscape in 2024. One prominent trend is the increased focus on preconstruction, especially with a strong emphasis on multistakeholder collaboration in the planning process. This more collaborative approach helps to derisk project outcomes by involving all relevant parties upfront, enabling better coordination and alignment from the start.

With projects coming under greater scrutiny in the coming years, contractors will turn to more proactive approaches to lower their risk. Expect to see subcontractor prequalification grow in importance as a way for firms to vet specialty contractors more extensively to prevent defaults and delinquencies. Additionally, contractors and owners will look for new ways to get deeper insights into their supply chain to build more resiliency in times of uncertainty, prevent disruptions, and maintain project timelines and budgets.

Automation is set to play a more significant role in the construction industry’s transformation in 2024. Specifically, automation in the invoicing and payment process will expand to drive improvements in payment cycle times. By streamlining these administrative tasks, construction companies can reduce delays and enhance cash flow, benefiting both contractors and subcontractors.

Data management will also continue to evolve. Construction businesses recognize the value of unlocking insights from past projects to inform existing and future ones. By leveraging data analytics and project management systems, companies can identify patterns, optimize processes, and make more informed decisions.

Lastly, there is a growing trend towards self-performing by GCs as a strategic response to the industry labor shortage. By expanding their in-house capabilities, GCs can navigate the challenges of a shrinking skilled workforce and maintain better control over project quality, timelines, and potentially drive higher profit margins.”

In 2024, the construction industry will move quickly towards an asset-first approach in design, construction, handover, and operations. This means that the industry will increasingly focus on leveraging asset and supplementary data to drive model-based workflows. This approach will enable better and more sustainable outcomes, fast iterative design, quantity assessment, project management, site management, and more efficient construction practices. Ultimately, this shift will help create long-lasting assets that are optimized for performance and longevity.

A Shift to an Asset-First Approach in Design, Construction, Handover, and Operations

Matt Hayward, Kaiwhakahaere Matihiko Whenua me te Wai Aotearoa, Aurecon (Digital Lead, Land and Water New Zealand, Aurecon)

“In 2024, the construction industry will move quickly towards an asset-first approach in design, construction, handover, and operations. This means that the industry will increasingly focus on leveraging asset and supplementary data to drive model-based workflows. This approach will enable better and more sustainable outcomes, fast iterative design, quantity assessment, project management, site management, and more efficient construction practices. Ultimately, this shift will help create long-lasting assets that are optimized for performance and longevity.”

An Increased Focus on Sustainability

“In 2024 the Nordics construction sector will continue to focus on sustainability – not just the materials we use but how do we reuse materials in a better way. There’s no doubt everybody wants to be green, but we must focus on getting to a point where it makes total sense to be greener – from a cost, labor, and materials perspective. And I truly believe data can unlock these insights and show the overall long-term value of green construction.”

Sustainability Issues Will Be at the Core of Corporate Strategy

Olivier Lepinoy Founder , Hyper Construction .

“The latest United Nations climate change conference (COP 28) put the spotlight, once again, on the built environment. It is clear that the pace and the scale of change are not enough. Looking at 2024 and beyond, we will see more impact on the global construction ecosystem: increased emphasis on green building practices, stricter energy efficiency standards, new sustainable materials and construction methods. Even more fundamental will be the shift in mindset. Business leaders will recognize that sustainability issues are at the core of their corporate strategy: reducing carbon emissions, enforcing sustainable practices, and listening to climate impacts. To combat climate change, a metamorphosis of the construction industry is required at a large scale. Long term strategies need to prevail over short term satisfactions. Individuals, professionals, corporations, governments, we all have to act together, and to be mindful of our day-to-day behaviors and their impact on the planet.”

Power and Importance of Collaboration

“2024 will be an exciting year for the construction industry. Two key areas to keep an eye on are AI and collaboration. AI is generating interest as companies consider its potential impact on business operations and profitability. In the construction industry, the emphasis is on practical applications of AI to enhance project outcomes.

Then, of course, we cannot underestimate the power and importance of collaboration with the construction industry. A notable trend is the increasing partnership between GCs and owners. Cloud-based platforms continue to let teams push the boundaries of collaboration. We’re not only seeing this on a single-project basis, but we’re also seeing trends of reoccurring stakeholders coming together to discuss future projects more proactively and efficiently.

These trends are significant opportunities for driving innovation, improving productivity, and providing just a better project delivery experience in 2024 and beyond.”

Expanding Technology and Modular Construction

“Looking ahead to construction trends in 2024 and beyond, there are a few things I’m really excited about. First, we all know technology continues to play a pivotal role in transforming construction processes. Gone are the days when we used to handwrite submittal comments and leverage manual processes and paper for everything. We are moving quickly from an antiqued industry to one that is readily embracing technology and using it to streamline workflows and improving efficiency.

I expect to continue to see an increase for the popularity and use cases of modular construction in 2024. Builders in the field will take more advantage of factory settings to ensure quality control, accelerate timelines, and cut down on costs. I anticipate more growth in the modular space for hotels and hospitals in particular. These advanced workflows will reduce the stress levels of building teams as well as empower them to leverage more innovation for smoother workflows.”

Innovative Solutions and the Rise of New Technologies

“In 2024, I expect a significant acceleration in the adoption of innovative solutions and new technology, impacting the key pillars of the industry: technology, people, policies, and processes. The industry will continue its shift towards a data-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of data quality, structure, accessibility, interoperability, and security. Increasing demands will drive a growing need for cloud computing, subscription, and credit-based platforms to provide on-demand, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for data storage and computing power, catering to various company sizes.

The construction industry will intensify efforts during the design stage by using AI-assisted design, parametric modeling, generative design, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), smart cities principles, and utilizing data analytics to enhance sustainability, resilience, and the overall quality of living in the built environment. Another foreseen trend will be the implementation of digital twins, not only for asset operations and maintenance but also during the construction stage for progress monitoring, resource optimization, and risk prevention.

Additionally, during construction, I anticipate a broader adoption of robotics, drones, IoT sensors, remote-controlled machinery, and high-tech protective equipment to enhance efficiency, work quality, on-site health and safety, and reduce waste. In the upcoming year, we may witness the emergence of new roles in the construction industry linked to the development of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and metaverse. This could also impact existing jobs, prompting a redefinition to incorporate the necessary skills for utilizing these new technologies. Finally, I anticipate an increasing collaboration between the construction industry and other sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, and robotics during the ongoing technological revolution for knowledge and best practice exchanges.”

Positive Outlook for the Construction Industry in 2024

“As we look towards 2024, we’ll see the construction industry continue to tackle some familiar challenges—including supply chain complexities and fluctuating material costs. Workforce shortages will also remain an issue, as we expect over 40% of construction professionals to retire by 2031, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).  

Yet, I’m optimistic about the coming year. Backlogs remain strong and construction companies have even more transformative technologies available at their fingertips to improve predictability and profitability.    

Last year was a springboard for energy surrounding AI in construction. Both GCs and specialty contractors recognize new opportunities to leverage the vast amount of data amassed from the increased use of digital technologies. As a result, this year we’ll see greater momentum and interest from the industry as firms leverage AI-driven technologies to automate tedious tasks, more deeply analyze information, and augment decision-making. Particularly, the integration of BIM with AI poses new and exciting opportunities. BIM’s rich data, paired with machine learning, can enable firms to improve efficiency and make smarter decisions beyond just the design phase of a building. 

I’m also looking forward to seeing more digital twin developments. Construction firms around the world want to provide more value for their clients and as a result are expanding into the operator space. Digital twin technology speeds up this opportunity by providing valuable insights to improve asset management and operations, while also creating new possibilities for services. 

Beyond technology, sustainability will also be top of mind for construction firms in 2024 and beyond. Owners and contractors are jointly driving demand for more sustainable outcomes in the built environment, particularly in response to the growing influence of government regulations. Tools like the Embodied Carbon Calculator (EC3) are exciting developments in this space, but currently and unfortunately, adoption is hindered by a lack of awareness. As an industry, we need to do more to educate folks on how to use the technologies and solutions already available to us to facilitate a more sustainable future.”

Communication Gap Will Continue to Close

Michael Milligan Engineering Manager, SSEN Transmission

“Speaking about the Transmission Industry in which I work, I expect 2024 will see the communication gap close further between site staff and those in the office, the technology is there for site staff to be able to share day to day thoughts via the cloud, and capture this against documentation and designs. Likewise with site observations being more visible in the design office, decisions on change, risk and programme will be more informed. Which should lead to more two way communication between these geographically disconnected teams. The technology has been available for a long time, however the people who drive change will see a real need to implement due to the project growth within the Transmission industry. Digital ways of working will continue to expand out with the traditional roles of engineers and project managers to all areas of the project teams. With people empowered to manage improvement in there own areas, processes will change at pace and hopefully the admin burden of looking for information and chasing actions drops.”

Expect New Technology Breakthroughs in Construction in 2024

James Mize Digital Delivery Specialist, CRB

“I believe that the construction industry will continue most of the big trends from last year while infusing them with the recent advancements in technology to drive them further. Meanwhile, other areas of the industry will have grasped last year’s advancements and begin to rethink current workflows to find totally new ways of doing things. Last year we saw a lot of new technology that needs to be tested and structured before fully implementing. This year, I predict we will see several breakthroughs built off technology from last year to define better workflows for years to come.

Broadly speaking, I expect trends such as the accelerated adoption of BIM, the advancements of autonomous construction, design for manufacturing and assembly, and the implementation of reality capture/AR-VR to continue. Each of these are trends that have been growing in our industry and despite recent industry challenges, will benefit from the use and adoption of AI/ML.

I also predict many companies will hit the reset button after last year’s advancements, to absorb the rapid and unyielding breakthroughs with AI and other influential technology. They will need time to process, plan, and act with new purpose to ensure the new ways of working fit our cultures and serve our clients.

As a result of hitting the pause button, I believe that data will then move to the forefront of many discussions and workflows throughout the industry but with new urgency. The trend I expect to emerge is how firms handle data. I expect them to consolidate data sources and inputs to the project data thread to clean up redundant data. I expect to see organization of existing data to transform how it can be used alongside other data in the future. Finally, a strategy for how construction industry companies enter, collect, harness, and use their data. Each of these will set up a more sustainable future for the industry.

While many will recognize this opportunity, I believe there will be startups and innovative groups that will begin to rethink how we work as it relates to things such as conceptual & generative design, construction optimization & tracking, and turnover/digital twin. I predict these will become the new pillars of delivery/execution across the industry as we move away from disconnected workflows, manually recreating redundant data, and a piece-meal approach to handover.

For many, this is a year to reshape the way we work, built off the successes of last year. Many will recognize that technology should no longer support traditional approaches, merely continuing the past but to re-define these systems entirely to fit the way in which we need to build for the future. With the state of construction technology and the advancements happening outside of the industry, we have the imperative to take advantage of the opportunities before us. This is why I believe the industry will break through with opportunities surrounding digital twins, generative design, and other more automated processes. For digital twins I expect breakthroughs in how we use and connect IoT for handover to operations. I predict we will see breakthroughs with generative design for more than layouts and solar/wind analysis. Finally, breakthroughs with more automated processes such as BIM analysis, construction sequencing, and document management will transform the way we build for the better.

The last trend I expect to emerge is centered on a new sense of efficiency for how things could be done. I believe we will find new ways to reduce wastefulness in many of the traditional design-construction delivery methods/processes. This will be the case because we now have tools at our fingertips to help us collaborate, learn, adapt, and absorb better than ever. This will lead to better decision making, less waste during the design process, and higher efficiency as it relates to building assembly across the industry.”

Increased Utilization of BIM, Digital Twins, and Cohesive Digital Workflows

In the AEC industry, a range of challenges and opportunities are on the horizon in 2024, including the enhancement of productivity and the integration of innovative practices. Our sector will need to effectively manage risks while prioritizing technology, sustainability, and economic factors. Moreover, attracting and retaining skilled talent remains a critical focus.

The sector is poised to further its digital evolution, emphasizing greater utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, and cohesive digital workflows (the digital thread). These advancements will streamline project management, foster improved collaboration among various stakeholders, and provide superior project transparency.

Recent challenges in global supply chains have underscored the importance of adopting more robust and resilient practices. This may lead to an increased focus on localizing material sourcing and leveraging technology to enhance supply chain management.

The Power of a Common Data Environment

“I’m really excited about the power of a common data environment and putting our digital data at the center of everything that we do. Cloud-based data has the potential to address some unique challenges in the industry. One of these challenges is the need to constantly switch between different tools for each project, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. Additionally, there is often a loss of data when transitioning from one phase of a project (e.g. planning) to another (e.g. design or construction). For example, when converting a DWG file to a printed format, important information can be lost. There’s a massive opportunity here to bring that all together and remove the difficulty of interoperability between tools.”

The Crucial Role of Information Management and Connected Data

“My projections for the construction industry in 2024 revolve around the crucial role of information management and connected data. I observe a significant shift in the industry’s focus, moving beyond the mere development of 3D models to extracting tangible benefits through the digitization and organization of data across the entire building lifecycle.

The establishment of a shared data environment is now more critical than ever, enhancing accessibility and comprehension of building data for project teams. Breaking down silos and fostering integrated collaboration among stakeholders are pivotal strategies for overcoming change barriers. This emphasis on collaboration and shared responsibility is propelling the prominence of Integrated Project Delivery.

The industry is poised to witness a sustained adoption of digital technologies in 2024, such as data-rich models, drone surveying, IoT, and AI, facilitating increased digitization and automation. These technologies are becoming more accessible and sophisticated as data continues to grow and become readily available. This data-driven era is fueling the development of more robust and advanced tools and models. “

Increased Collaboration Between Designers and Contractors

“One of the biggest construction trends I see in the industry is the increasing collaboration between designers and contractors on projects. This shift has the potential to truly improve project planning and inform faster, more accurate decision-making. It’s exciting to see even more technology and tools leveraged to help facilitate this enhanced collaboration, bringing design more into the picture on-site.

On a larger industry-wide scale, investment in more technology and tools is critical to bringing a younger generation into the workforce. Students today are already leveraging advanced tech and come to expect the same when they enter the workforce. It’s important for leaders to recognize the culture and business shifts necessary for us to realize the necessary changes for the future. By embracing collaboration and investing in even more technology, we can create an industry that meets the expectations of the upcoming generation and paves the way for innovation and success.”

Enhancing Existing Structures Through Retrofitting

“To me, I’m most excited about the trend of retrofitting buildings in 2024. Take urban centers like London, for example. The focus is on retaining the existing building fabric and evaluating its potential for another century of use. This involves intense evaluations of thermal performance, occupancy comfort, and structural integrity. But the goal is to strike a balance between minor interventions and full demolition, with a preference for preserving and enhancing the existing structure. This is every single project we are working on now, and we know it requires an increased data footprint, as multiple laser scans, survey models, and engineering models are utilized throughout the retrofitting process. In turn, we can get more accurate assessments to inform decision-making. Retrofitting buildings presents an amazing opportunity and challenge for the industry to embrace responsible and sustainable practices, and we should be moving towards it as the default approach.”

Gen Z Has Entered the Jobsite – Or Have They?

“There’s no denying that our workforce in construction has continued a steep decline over the years. As seasoned professionals retired, we’re officially no longer replacing 1:1 the talent we have lost. Glassdoor recently reported that Gen Z will officially overtake Boomers in the workforce in 2024. However, as Gen Z enters the workforce and many millennials are now squarely in management roles looking for advancement, we will continue to see the acceleration of digital transformation of this industry pressured in part by these digital natives. This is assuming, of course, we can convince them to come to this industry, and more importantly, stay . This means we’ll see a trend on more retention programs that clearly demonstrate dynamic career progression, reward open-source innovation, and support a culture of learning and development. Construction is a “site based” industry. So while others in corporate culture wrestle with return-to-work mandates, we’ll actually see construction firms take a more balanced approach to remote working and flexibility where possible to encourage retention as employees demand more work/life balance. Additionally, more open and up-front discussions on mental health will take center stage as the industry pushes an evolving culture that is more inclusive and supportive of the health of our people, not just the health of the project.      

Together, we can do more – Communities become central to accelerate adoption

The role of online communities to share knowledge is not new. However, for construction they are reaching a tipping point that has become required, especially as individuals wrestle with the technology onslaught and how to get teams to adopt new methodologies. Digital champions in construction have been working to expand knowledge in their tight circles, or in the safety of their own jobsites, for years, but we’ll see people seeking broader swaths of knowledge outside of their typical spheres. As firms press forward into more advanced workflows, internal champions need access to folks who are experiencing the same growing pains or who have already “crossed the chasm.” And while cornerstone online communities like Linkedin, Reddit, or Forums are amazing places to find like-minds and technical advice, newer spaces like TikTok and YouTube will also grow as a new generation of influencers and practitioners help amplify both why digital transformation in construction matters and how to do it. We’ll also see gamified spaces like our online construction community The Big Room continue to expand as a place that provides both rich peer insights and incentivizes learning, feedback, and networking.”

Recruiting Solutions and Collaborative KPI Dashboards

“In 2024, I predict the construction industry will very likely continue to see a tight labor market, particularly for onsite craftworkers. I don’t expect this trend to ease up anytime soon. Firms will be busy identifying solutions to better recruit young, entry-level employees. 

The use of effective cost management software and collaborative KPI dashboards will become more and more of a high priority for contractors as they look to efficiently manage project financials, resources, and schedules in the face of demanding projects and intense labor market pressures.”

The Future of VR in Training

“For one, I’m excited about the exploration and application of VR in construction, particularly in the training space. VR has come a long way since it was introduced to the construction industry. While it still has a long way to go, the potential it has to scale training processes is immense for enterprise-level construction firms. So, for instance, think how it can be leveraged to train people across 10 offices and projects across 22 states. Additionally, the industry will continue to rely on and expand upon manufacturing and fabrication to supplement the workforce we currently do not have.”

Automation and the Future of Remote Work in Construction

“Trends in 2024 are going to be a wild ride. Digital Twins will be more enhanced and advanced. They will offer automated real-time insights, decision support, predict project delays, and identify potential risks.

Remote work will be a thing in the construction industry. From controlling the cranes, trucks, and other construction vehicles remotely to off-site construction, such as prefabrication and modulars are going to be the new norm facilitated by a 3D printer. Smart buildings are going to be there with sensors that keep tabs and automate everything.”

Continued Rise of XR

“One construction trend I’m particularly excited about is the continued rise of extended reality (XR). With more advanced hardware devices available today, we can now leverage XR in various project stages, from design to preconstruction and even during construction. This presents exciting opportunities to optimize some big pain points in the industry by utilizing XR technologies. Compounded with all the innovations we are seeing in AI right now, I think the industry is on a fast trajectory to open endless new possibilities to improve design reviews, clash detection, and on-site coordination in the next 5-10 years.”

Removing Data Silos Through Advanced Technologies

“The combination of certain technologies is going to drive significant improvements in the industry moving forward. For instance, the integration of blockchain, smart contracts, digital twins, and AI is going to transform the industry in unique ways; helping to remove data silos. Clients are becoming more informed and specific in their requirements, moving away from generic requests for BIM or digital twins. We are likely going to hear clients become more prescriptive about what they want delivered.

Over the next decade, we can expect a wave of even greater integrated technology in construction. This transformation will be reminiscent of the shift from fax machines to email, where there was a great bit of initial resistance. Younger generations are already accustomed to digital solutions and will drive the faster adoption of technology.”

Construction’s Data Driven Future

“In 2024, I think construction industry trends will morph from BIM and 3D modeling to more data-driven topics such as building dashboards, AI, and managing project data. BIM has become something that is mature in the industry and is a requirement in a lot of tenders. However, in the drive to modernize and improve, construction companies will be looking to drive efficiency and transparency through data in order to build better projects.”

Situational Awareness, Quantum Computing, and Sustainability in Technology and Business Practices

“I believe three key areas are poised to drive significant changes in the industry this year and well into the future.

Firstly, the concept of situational awareness is gaining traction. This approach integrates various aspects of the construction process, elevating our understanding of the project, labor, and overall project delivery ecosystem. The trend is to institutionalize situational awareness across all projects, enhancing data-driven decision-making for greater project success.

Secondly, I strongly believe in the vast potential of quantum computing. We’ve been on the verge of its realization for some time, but advancements in this field are accelerating. There is a world of emerging technologies that will soon have a substantial impact on the construction industry and the Quantum computing’s potential to revolutionize the industry should not be overlooked.

Finally, integrating sustainability into both technology and business practices is becoming increasingly important. It is not just about sustainable technology but also about the sustainability of our society and the responsible management of resources. Focusing on these fundamental changes and objectives will be crucial for AEC companies if they want to stay relevant beyond the next 5 to 10 years.”

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Jenny Ragan

Construction trends, tips, and news – delivered straight to your inbox, you might like..., demystifying autodesk technology: unlocking efficiency for factory planning and factory design, digital builder ep 76: the opportunity – improving data capabilities in construction, real talk on ai’s role in construction: overheard in the big room .

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  1. Construction Leads All Industries in Total Worker Deaths

    construction projects with most deaths

  2. Construction Leads All Industries in Total Worker Deaths

    construction projects with most deaths

  3. Construction Leads All Industries in Total Worker Deaths

    construction projects with most deaths

  4. Construction Jobsite Deaths, Fatality Rate Climb

    construction projects with most deaths

  5. Looking Back on the World's Deadliest Construction Projects

    construction projects with most deaths

  6. New Data Shows Fatalities Among Construction Laborers Increased in 2019

    construction projects with most deaths

COMMENTS

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  3. The 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World

    The 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World - WorldAtlas The 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World The construction of the Burma-Siam Railway claimed thousands of lives. Safety is mandatory in the construction industry, and many countries have strict construction rules which contractors must follow.

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    The report reveals 1,069 construction fatalities occurred in 2022, a 7.7% increase from 986 construction fatalities in 2021.

  7. 10 of History's Deadliest Construction Projects

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  9. CPWR Construction Fatality Map Dashboard

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    The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction runs from May 1 through May 5 and highlights fall hazards and fall prevention in the construction industry. In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. Just over one-third of construction deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips.

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    The construction industry again had the highest number of fatalities of all industries in 2019 with 1,061 worker deaths. This is a 5.3% increase over the 1,008 fatal injuries in 2018. It's the highest total since 2007 when the industry recorded 1,204 fatal work injuries.

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    Beyond the usual marquee-grabbing projects like the Panama Canal and Burma-Siam Railway, Tindula adds many projects to the timeline which I didn't even know were so dangerous, like how Vegas's...

  14. Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases 2021 Construction Industry Fatality

    This marks an 8.9% increase from the 4,764 fatal work injuries reported in 2020. In 2021, construction and extraction occupations accounted for 951 occupational deaths. This was a 2.6% decrease in fatalities from 2020 for the construction and extraction occupations. The fatality rate for the construction and extraction occupations decreased ...

  15. 37 Construction Safety Statistics for 2023

    Fatal Construction Industry Statistics 1. Construction has the second most workplace deaths of all industries, behind truck drivers. [ BLS] 2. Nearly 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers is in the construction industry. [ BLS] 3. Fatalities in construction decreased by 2.6% from 2020 to 2021. [ BLS] 4.

  16. Fatalities in the Construction Industry: A Timeline

    According to OSHA, around 20 percent—1,061—worker fatalities took place in the construction industry in 2019, representing one in five workers. Fortunately, thanks to industrial and technological breakthroughs, construction safety continues to be a growing priority for industry and government agencies.

  17. Fatal injury in U.S. construction

    In 2021, there were 19 work-related deaths less in the construction industry of the United States than in the previous year. The number of fatal injuries in construction increased...

  18. 12 of the Deadliest Construction Projects in History

    Grand Coulee Dam 8. Hoover Dam 7. Aswan Dam 6. Karakoram Highway 5. Hawk Nest Tunnel 4. United States Transcontinental Railroad 3. White Sea Baltic Sea Canal 2. Panama Canal 1. Burma-Siam Railway Construction 12. Fort Peck Dam Photo credit: Wikimedia On 22nd September 1938, an engineer noticed a few problems in the wall of the dam.

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    SNAPSHOT OF FATAL FALLS IN CONSTRUCTION, 2019 October 2021 1,102 CONSTRUCTION DEATHS Most deaths in a year since 2011. 1 . IN. 3. DEATHS WERE FROM FATAL FALLS #1 on OSHA's Fatal Four. 93 fatal falls related to ladders. 52 fatal falls related to scaffolding. 401. FATAL FALLS TO A LOWER LEVEL. 25% increase from 2018. Hispanics have a higher ...

  20. Construction Jobsite Deaths, Fatality Rate Climb

    Construction workplace fatalities continued to rise, reaching a 12-year-high in 2019 and the industry's fatal-injury rate also turned upward, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported. The BLS...

  21. 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In History

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  22. Top 10 Deadliest Construction Projects In The World

    The Empire State Building and Chicago's Sears Tower both reported just five deaths during their respective construction periods. One of the most-deadly projects was the Suez Canal. Its construction led to the deaths of 120,000 of the hired and forced laborers who dug it out over a decade in the mid-1800s.

  23. Top causes of global construction fatalities, and how to avoid site

    According to ILO data, the greatest causes of mortality around the global labour market are circulatory diseases (31%), work-related cancers (26%), and respiratory diseases (17%). In this article, Construction Week rounds up the top risk factors that lead to fatalities at construction sites around the world, and how these can be avoided.

  24. NYC Construction Death Toll Hit 24 in '22, New Report Finds

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  27. 2024 Construction Trends: 30+ Experts Share Insight

    John Lim Ji XiongChief Digital Officer, Gamuda Bhd. "In 2024, I think construction industry trends will morph from BIM and 3D modeling to more data-driven topics such as building dashboards, AI, and managing project data. BIM has become something that is mature in the industry and is a requirement in a lot of tenders.