Concrete and masonry work is essential for building strong foundations, walls, and structures. But this type of work also comes with serious risks. Workers in these trades face some of the highest injury and fatality rates in the construction industry.
Unlike many other jobs in construction, concrete and masonry often involve physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy blocks, working on uneven surfaces, and handling powerful tools. Workers are exposed to sharp edges, wet cement, unstable forms, scaffolding, and hazardous dust, each posing a unique danger if not handled carefully.
These jobs are not just hard on the body, they are also high-pressure and fast-paced. Teams often work under tight schedules, outdoors in all weather, and sometimes at great heights. One small mistake or missed safety step can quickly turn into a serious injury or even a fatal incident. That’s why it’s so important to look closely at the injury trends and understand how to make these work environments safer.
Nonfatal Injury Rates (2023)
In 2023, injury rates for concrete and masonry contractors were well above the national average. Here’s how they compare:
- Poured Concrete Foundation Contractors: 2.8 injuries per 100 workers
- Masonry Contractors: 2.7 injuries per 100 workers
- Structural Steel & Precast Concrete: 3.6 injuries per 100 workers
- Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors: 3.2 injuries per 100 workers
- All Construction (Industry Average): 2.3 injuries per 100 workers
These rates reflect the total number of nonfatal injuries or illnesses that required medical attention or time away from work.
Annual Deaths in the Sector
Each year, 40 to 80 concrete and masonry workers die from job-related incidents in the U.S. While this may seem like a small number, it represents a large share of the overall construction deaths.
- Total Construction Fatalities (2023): 1,075 deaths
- Share From Concrete & Masonry Work: About 20% of all construction deaths
- Leading Cause of Death: Falls to a lower level, accounting for 38–39% of construction fatalities
Falls remain the most common cause of fatal injuries, especially among masons and bricklayers working on scaffolds, ladders, and walls.
Most Common Hazards
Falls
- Leading cause of both deaths and serious injuries
- Often occur from scaffolding, ladder use, or collapsing walls
- Over 30% of deaths in concrete and masonry involve a fall
Struck-by or Crushed
- Workers may be hit by falling blocks or bricks
- Structures may collapse during curing or placement
- Moving machines or forklifts can also cause injuries
Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Repetitive motion and heavy lifting lead to chronic back, shoulder, and joint pain
- Sprains, strains, and overexertion are common
- Concrete and masonry workers are among the most affected trades for physical pain
Chemical Exposures
- Wet cement can cause serious skin burns
- Exposure to silica dust can damage the lungs
- Eye irritation and dermatitis are frequent issues
Nonfatal Injury Patterns
Each year, over 28,000 workers in the concrete and masonry trades experience a job-related injury or illness. That’s more than 10% of the entire workforce, which is estimated at 250,000 workers.
Most Frequent Injury Types:
- Overexertion and sprains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Chemical burns
- Repetitive motion disorders
Lost Workdays and Productivity Impact
When someone is injured, it’s not just painful, it often means missing work. Here’s how concrete and masonry compare to national averages:
- Masonry workers lose time at 2.5x the U.S. average
- Concrete workers lose time at 7x the national average
This affects productivity, wages, and overall project timelines.
Key Risk Categories at a Glance
| Hazard Type | Examples and Risks |
| Falls | Scaffold collapse, ladder accidents, falls from height, leading cause of death |
| Musculoskeletal | Lifting bricks or heavy cement blocks, repetitive motion, twisting |
| Struck-by/Caught-in | Falling objects, moving equipment, collapsing molds or walls |
| Chemical Exposure | Cement burns, silica dust inhalation, dermatitis |
| Ergonomics | Awkward postures, carrying uneven loads, long hours with vibration tools |
Why These Trades Are So Dangerous
Concrete and masonry work often takes place outdoors, in unpredictable environments. Workers deal with:
- Heavy materials like blocks, cement bags, and steel
- Fast-paced timelines and tight deadlines
- Long hours on feet in awkward positions
- High platforms, narrow scaffolds, or unfinished floors
- Hazardous dust, loud tools, and powerful machines
It’s no surprise this mix leads to accidents, even for experienced workers.
What Can Be Done to Improve Safety
Although the risks are high, simple safety steps can reduce harm:
- Fall Protection: Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Gloves, goggles, masks, and hard hats
- Tool Safety: Routine checks on mixers, saws, and other powered tools
- Dust Control: Use of wet cutting methods and respirators
- Training: Teaching safe lifting techniques and hazard awareness
- Workplace Supervision: Regular site checks and hazard reporting
These actions help lower both injury rates and lost time.
Final Thoughts
Concrete and masonry construction continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in U.S. industry. With higher-than-average injury rates, long recovery times, and deadly hazards, this trade demands close attention to safety.
The data shows clear patterns: falls, repetitive injuries, and chemical exposure are major threats. Addressing these with simple equipment, basic training, and smart work practices can make a big difference.
Every injury avoided means more workers going home safely at the end of the day.
