Common construction accidents include roof related falls, crane accidents, scaffolding accidents, run-over by operating equipment, lifting equipment failure, electric shock, trench collapses, fires and explosions, hit by highway vehicle ,compressed gases accidents and welding accidents.

Construction is the country's largest industry and one that has consistently registered the high rates of workplace accidents. Although injury and fatality rates in many industry sectors have declined significantly in the twenty-three years since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) came into being, this has not been the case in construction related accidents. OSHA has had little success in reducing injuries and fatalities among construction workers, despite the fact that it channels a large portion of its resources into the enforcement of health and safety standards on construction sites.