Report tallies cost of construction injuries, fatalities in Maryland

Washington – Occupational injuries and fatalities in the construction industry cost the state of Maryland $712.8 million between 2008 and 2010, according to a new report from advocacy group Public Citizen.

The report (.pdf file), released Aug. 7, states that Maryland recorded 55 fatalities and 18,600 injuries in construction during the three-year period. Of the injuries, 11,000 required days away from work or job transfer.

Public Citizen calculated the cost to the state using direct costs, indirect costs and quality of life costs.

Noting that Maryland’s prequalification system for construction contracts does not screen for safety, Public Citizen recommended requiring companies to show they provide training to workers and site supervisors and do not have serious safety violations. The group said giving public construction contracts only to companies with strong safety records would save the state money.