2014 construction deaths up 6% from 2013

Construction site deaths in 2014 rose 6% from 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There were a total of 874 construction fatalities last year. That number was the highest since 2008, BLS reported. Across all U.S. industries, the BLS reported a preliminary total of 4,679 fatal work injuries in 2014 — a 2% increase from 2013.

Construction fatalities accounted for 20.6% of total private industry fatalities in 2014. That was on par with 2013, when construction accounted for 20.2% of total private industry fatalities.

Within the construction industry, the heavy and civil engineering sector recorded 138 workplace fatalities in 2014, down from 165 in 2013.