Texas Leads Nation in Workplace Fatalities

Numbers just released show that Texas saw 524 fatal workplace accidents in 2014, an increase from 508 the previous year.

Over the last 11 years, Texas has taken the top spot when it comes to workplace deaths. If one adjusts to take into consideration population, Texas still outranks 36 other states in work-related wrongful deaths. We simply must do better to protect our state’s workers from harm.

Shockingly, the transportation industry accounted for 40 percent of these deaths throughout the country. Latino or Hispanic workers accounted for 17 percent of all U.S. workplace deaths, with 40 percent of these workers born in Mexico.

Demand for Labor May Be a Major Contributor

There are certain industries that have experienced a spike in on-the-job fatalities due to their demand. Included is the oil and gas industry, construction, and transportation/trucking; all of which are fraught with dangers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tsar David Michael said last July that part of the reason why the number of fatalities are so high is lax safety efforts in these dangerous industries, as well as workers not being adequately protected on job sites and in the state’s safety net.

Workplace fatalities are easy to prevent. If you’re an employer or worker, here are a few things you can do to protect your workers or yourself:

• Carry out numerous and regular safety checks, preferably before the start of the working day.
• Do not attempt to go to work without the required safety equipment and clothing regardless of your employer’s instructions.
• Offer extensive training to your employees as needed to ensure that they’re aware of the hazards present at their place of work.
• As an employer, you should make an effort to consciously monitor worker behavior. If positive and safe behavior is seen among your workforce, encourage it by providing incentives. If negative and risky behavior is observed, call it to the attention of workers and rectify it the moment it happens.

There are many types of accidents which result in worker deaths, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Lack of safety equipment or training
• Crush injuries
• Slips and falls
• Falling from heights
• Chemical burns and exposure
• Overexertion

Families of Those Killed on the Job Have Rights

If you’ve lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact my law firm at (214) 651-6100 and we’ll see how best we can help you. The consultation is free, and we’ll do our best to let you know exactly what options are available to you and your family.

Category: In Depth