Which worker type had the highest percentage of fatal falls in the US from 2011 to 2015?

The choice of roofer as the worker type with the highest percentage of fatal falls from 2011 to 2015 is supported by significant industry data. Roofing work is inherently risky due to the nature of the job, which often involves working at significant heights and on inclined surfaces. The lack of protective measures and the physical demands of maintaining balance while navigating rooftops contribute to fall incidents in this occupation.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics have consistently shown that roofing ranks among the most hazardous construction jobs, leading to higher fatality rates correlated with falls. Factors such as the insufficient use of fall protection equipment, the complexity of roofing tasks, and variations in weather conditions also increase the likelihood of falls in this field. Understanding this context highlights why roofers experience a greater proportion of fatal falls compared to other trades like electricians or carpenters, which, while still dangerous, generally operate under different conditions and might have more stable work environments.