The Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicates improvement in a key industry safety indicator, even as construction employment has continued to rise.

While the number of construction jobs increased in August, so did the industry's jobless rate compared to July and year-earlier levels.

Residential specialty trade contractors segment posted the strongest July results, adding 13,300 positions.

While construction's jobless rate rose to 3.6% in June, economists noted that the industry had 396,000 job openings as of the end of May.

The heavy and civil engineering category led the way, adding 10,700 jobs, while specialty trade contractors added 7,300 positions, and building contractors added 6,600 jobs.

After a decline in March, the construction industry added 15,000 positions in April, with the jobless rate falling compared to March and year-earlier levels.

A loss of 13,900 jobs reported by specialty trade contractors outweighed job gains in residential and heavy and civil engineering categories.

New Bureau of Labor Statistics report says union portion of the total private sector construction workforce declined last year to 11.7%, the lowest annual level in a decade, but building trades counter that data understates organized labor strength.

Fatal construction accidents were down about 2% overall in 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, but some types of construction accidents saw worrying increases.

Industry's jobless rate is down from October, year-earlier levels.