INTRODUCTION: This study examined trends and patterns of fatal falls from roofs in the U.S. construction industry over an 18-year period (1992-2009), with detailed analysis for 2003-2009. METHODS: Two large national datasets were analyzed: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Population Survey. RESULTS: Roof fatalities accounted for one-third of fatal falls in construction in 1992-2009. A disproportionately high percentage (67%) of deaths from roof falls occurred in small construction establishments (1-10 employees). Roofers, ironworkers, workers employed with roofing contractors, or working at residential construction sites, had a higher risk of roof fatalities. A higher rate of roof fatalities was also found among younger (<20years) and older (>44years) workers, Hispanics, and immigrant workers. CONCLUSION: Roof fatalities corresponded with economic cycles and differed among construction subgroups and worksites. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Prevention strategies should target high-risk worker groups and small establishments.
INTRODUCTION: This study examined trends and patterns of fatal falls from roofs in the U.S. construction industry over an 18-year period (1992-2009), with detailed analysis for 2003-2009. METHODS: Two large national datasets were analyzed: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Population Survey. RESULTS: Roof fatalities accounted for one-third of fatal falls in construction in 1992-2009. A disproportionately high percentage (67%) of deaths from roof falls occurred in small construction establishments (1-10 employees). Roofers, ironworkers, workers employed with roofing contractors, or working at residential construction sites, had a higher risk of roof fatalities. A higher rate of roof fatalities was also found among younger (<20years) and older (>44years) workers, Hispanics, and immigrant workers. CONCLUSION: Roof fatalities corresponded with economic cycles and differed among construction subgroups and worksites. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Prevention strategies should target high-risk worker groups and small establishments.
Authors: Ana Clara Zoni; María Felicitas Domínguez-Berjón; María Dolores Esteban-Vasallo; Luis Miguel Velázquez-Buendía; Vendula Blaya-Nováková; Enrique Regidor Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2018-04
Authors: Maria Eugenia Fernández-Esquer; Cecilia F Aguerre; Martha Ojeda; Louis D Brown; John S Atkinson; Jayson M Rhoton; Cristina Espinosa Da Silva; Pamela M Diamond Journal: J Health Care Poor Underserved Date: 2020