German construction deaths drop slightly—but safety risks remain critical
In Germany, on average, a worker dies on a construction site or in the cleaning industry every fourth working day. According to the German Social Accident Insurance for the Construction Sector (Berufsgenossenschaft Bau, BG BAU) and the Industrial Union for Construction, Agriculture, and the Environment (IG BAU), 74 people lost their lives in work-related accidents in the construction industry and related services last year—four fewer than the previous year. Under German federal holiday law, working days include all days that are not Sundays or public holidays.
The report also states that in 2025, 400 people died from occupational diseases, often linked to past exposure to dust or asbestos.
Union: Many Accidents Are Preventable
In light of these figures, BG BAU and IG BAU are urging workers not to accept hazardous working conditions. Workplace safety on construction sites must be a priority for everyone, they emphasize.
"Safety is a management responsibility—ultimately, it's the employer's duty," says Mathias Neuser, acting chair of BG BAU's executive board. "But real safety only happens when every individual takes responsibility—for themselves and for their colleagues. Many accidents are preventable. If safety measures are consistently implemented and actively demanded by workers, we can save lives. Everyone should return home healthy to their families and friends after work."
