There were 22 construction worker fatalities in Michigan in 2004 - two less than in 2003 but about average comparing year-by-year deaths over the last decade.

The highest number of fatalities in recent years was 37 Hardhats who died on the job in 1997. In the 1960s, before MIOSHA was instituted, an average of 44 Michigan construction workers were killed on the job every year.

Worker fatalities both in general industry and construction have dropped over the years - but construction deaths have gone down at a slower pace. Fifteen years ago, deaths in the construction industry represented 40 percent of all on-the-job fatalities in Michigan. Last year, more than 50 percent - 22 out of the 42 worker deaths in all industries - were in construction.

"That percentage has inched up over the years," said MIOSHA Construction Safety and Health Division Chief Rick Mee. "With construction representing only 4 or 5 percent of the workforce, those numbers are unacceptable."

Of the 22 Michigan construction workers killed on the job in 2004, 10 were from falls, which typically is a leading cause of fatalities. Seven victims were in the "caught-by" category, three were from electrocutions and two were "struck-by."

"We have typically seen electrocution fatalities as numerous as falls, but that electrocution component has gone down somewhat over the past few years," Mee said. "That's a welcome trend, and it appears to be continuing."

On-the-job injury statistics for construction and other industries for 2004 won't be completed until May, said Laurie Lorish, a MIOSHA departmental analyst. But she said job injuries that have resulted in days lost or worker restrictions "have showed a consistent downward trend" in recent years.