The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that 5,703 fatal work injuries occurred in 2006, down slightly from 2005. The wide-ranging construction industry accounted for the largest numbers - 1,226 deaths, or 22 percent of the total, and 3 percent over the 2005 figures.

Fatalities among specialty trades contractors rose 6 percent to 721 in 2006, primarily due to increases in deaths among building finishing contractors and roofers. Construction laborers accounted for the highest number of these deaths. Fatalities among electricians, roofers, painters, and drywall and ceiling tile installers all increased. However, fatalities among plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters dropped. Fatalities in building construction and in heavy and civil engineering work also decreased.