Fewer workers are succumbing to hazards in areas where the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has concentrated its enforcement efforts, according to preliminary data from the agency. The statistics indicate a reduction in fatalities that OSHA is required to investigate, notably in incidents involving trench collapses and falls, which are major causes of death among construction workers.
"These numbers are promising evidence that stronger enforcement and collaboration with labor and management, driven by the Biden-Harris administration’s worker-centered approach, is saving lives," said Douglas Parker, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. He noted significant improvements in targeted areas involving employers and unions, as well as advancements seen by state program partners.
In fiscal year 2024, federal OSHA investigated 826 worker deaths—a decrease of 11 percent from the previous year's 928 cases. Excluding Covid-related deaths, this marks the lowest number of worker fatalities mandated for investigation since fiscal year 2017.
The National Emphasis Program on Falls saw a nearly 20 percent reduction in fatal falls investigated by federal OSHA, decreasing from 234 to 189 cases. Preliminary data from state programs suggest more than a 15 percent reduction in fatalities within their jurisdictions. Federal OSHA covers approximately 60 percent of private-sector employees while approved state programs cover the rest.
Reports from both federal and state OSHA programs show a nearly 70 percent decline in worker deaths due to trench collapses since calendar year 2022. Fatalities dropped from 39 in 2022 to 15 in 2023 and have reached only 12 so far in calendar year 2024. This decline follows comprehensive outreach efforts by OSHA and industry partners alongside aggressive enforcement policies like "zero tolerance" for unprotected trenches.
"While fewer workers have died from the hazards OSHA investigates, we still lose more than 5,000 workers each year in largely preventable incidents," Parker added. "While we’re proud of this progress, our work is far from over."
For more information on OSHA's emphasis programs or assistance offered to businesses for compliance with safety standards, visit their website.
