Texas has led the nation in workplace fatalities every year since 2009. In this article, we will explore the most common workplace injuries in Texas and their cases.

Texas Workplaces Are Among the Nation’s Most Dangerous

As mentioned, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Texas leads the country in annual workplace deaths every year. In addition, we have substantial numbers of workers who are harmed on the job, leaving them with disabilities and substantial medical costs. It’s vital to be aware of the most common ways you can be hurt and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

The National Security Council found that the top three leading causes of work-related injuries include overexertion, slips and falls, and contact with objects and equipment. Other common types of occupational accidents include work-related roadway accidents and repetitive motion injuries. Because Texas industry involves oil & gas work, construction, and other high-risk occupations, workers can suffer injury from any of these causes.

Overexertion

With weather extremes and physically demanding jobs across numerous industries in Texas, it’s easy to succumb to overexertion. When lifting or lowering objects, bending, or engaging in repetitive stress activities, you risk overdoing it and harming yourself. Additional overexertion risk factors include reaching, pushing and pulling, awkward posture, extended periods of sitting or standing, and extreme temperatures.

Many workers overexert themselves by failing to lift heavy objects safely. They may use improper form, avoid putting on safety equipment, or attempt to lift objects without the help of additional workers.

Another cause of overexertion is working for long periods in extremely cold or hot temperatures without proper protective gear or breaks for rest and water.

Companies should mandate safety protocols that help workers avoid risks of overexertion. Supervisors must encourage employees to always use safety gear, rest when needed, and get help with moving or lifting large objects. The mistake of “saving time” by taking risks can result in expensive and painful accidents.

Slips, Trips, And Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common workplace or industrial accidents, accounting for nearly 9 million emergency room visits every year, as reported by the Texas Department of Insurance. In fact, construction falls were the number one cause of death for construction workers in 2019.

Employees working in risky areas for slips and falls should be issued non-slip shoes or should be required to wear them. Aside from slips and trips, work-related falls can also occur when falling from a height due to dangerous scaffolding, faulty ladders, or lack of harness protection.

Falls often cause traumatic physical injuries regardless of how they happen. Businesses must provide appropriate gear and training so workers understand the risks. They should also foster a safety culture where all employees encourage and remind each other of the safety protocols and requirements.

Contact With Objects or Equipment

Workers can be struck by, struck against, or become entangled with objects and equipment on the job. Being hit by an object that has fallen from above or has been thrown by a person or machinery can cause serious injury. Falling, flying, rolling, or swinging objects can cause serious trauma, with the most common injury from a falling object being a head injury.

Many of these incidents are caused by workers failing to pay attention because they are distracted, which is why employers should prohibit workers from talking and texting on cell phones during business hours. Struck-by injuries can be prevented by storing or stacking materials safely, training employees properly, and posting adequate warning signs. Employees should also be given appropriate personal protective equipment to use, such as hard hats, steel-toe boots, and eye protection.

Becoming caught in or entangled in a machine can cause amputation and wrongful death and is often caused by loose clothing, jewelry, long hair, and the like. Proper training can ensure these accidents are prevented, and worker lives are saved.

Work-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) identified transportation incidents as the leading cause of workplace fatalities for employees who drive on the job, such as salespeople, couriers, and commercial truck drivers. These workers are exposed to negligent drivers, dangerous weather, and defective equipment, all of which can cause motor vehicle accidents.

Workers who spend their days around moving vehicles, including trucks, forklifts, and cranes, also face a high risk of getting hurt by them.

Texas businesses should stress safe driving policies, including banning distracted driving. In some cases, a motor vehicle accident results from the negligence of a third party, which can lead to compensation.

Repetitive Motion / Repetitive Stress Injuries

Many types of repetitive stress injuries can be common among workers across a wide range of jobs. Some of the most common workplace repetitive motion problems include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: This repetitive stress injury is common among office workers. Other types of workers can develop this syndrome in their wrists as well, which can make it hard, if not impossible, for them to do their jobs.
Tennis elbow: Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this is a repetitive motion injury that is very common among workers, resulting from tasks like painting, using tools, cutting, welding, and more.
Inflammation: Irritation and swelling in joints are among the most common causes of repetitive motion problems, including conditions like tendonitis, stenosing tenosynovitis (“trigger finger”), and others.

Businesses can help employees avoid these injuries by providing ergonomic aids and ensuring workers take appropriate rest breaks. Further, adjusting job duties to reduce repetitive motions can help these conditions heal faster and prevent long-term effects. In Texas, you are required to report job-related injuries within 30 days, but these conditions may take longer to diagnose, potentially allowing you more time.

Commonly Overlooked Causes of Workplace Accidents

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence occurs when employees face threats or acts of violence on the job. It can include verbal or physical attacks and can be a single incident or consistent behavior. Workers in sales, healthcare, transportation, and protective services often face the highest rate of violence.

Workplace violence can occur anywhere, and every organization needs to train for, be prepared for, and address it. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) categorizes workplace violence into four groups:

Criminal intent
Customer or client
Worker on worker
Personal relationships

Companies can protect their workers from workplace violence by establishing action plans and training employees on how to handle potentially dangerous situations. They can also ensure that employee conflicts are addressed and resolved quickly to reduce the risk of harm. When an employee suffers harm as a result of workplace violence, they may be eligible to pursue civil action against those responsible, in addition to claiming employer-provided insurance benefits.

Toxic Exposure

Thousands of Texas workers are exposed to materials in the workplace that could prove dangerous to their health and safety without proper handling. Exposure to chemicals and other toxic materials in the workplace can cause injuries ranging from mild irritation to cancer and even death. Exposure can include fumes, gases, liquids, solids, and even diseases that cause workers to become ill.

The TDI recommends the following actions to reduce the risk of toxic exposure in the workplace:

Learn the accepted standard: The United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS) describes how to label and work with hazardous chemicals. Employers must use this to correctly identify and label all substances in their workplaces.
Inventory all dangerous substances: Companies must list the name, location, and manufacturer information for every hazardous or toxic chemical on the worksite.
Label containers: Every container should have the name of the product, potential hazards, and the manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number.
Post the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical: Each manufacturer must provide a hazard communication SDS, which must be posted in work areas so employees can read and use it.
Establish a written protocol and train employees: Companies must communicate their plan for handling toxic substances in the workplace. They should also ensure all workers are properly trained on a regular basis.

Get Help After a Workplace Accident

If you have been injured at work, you have legal options. The work injury attorneys of JD Silva & Associates are ready to assist you. Our experienced attorneys will help you seek fair compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you and your family recover.

The Most Common Workplace Accidents