Fatal accidents on construction jobs rose 5% in 2016, to 991, from 937 in 2015. This was the largest number in recent years, exceeding the 2008 level of 975. Specialty trade contractors recorded 631 fatalities, the “buildings” sector had 182, and heavy civil engineering construction had 159, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). U.S. workplace fatalities overall climbed 7% to 5190, the highest since 2008.