Some occupations are inherently more dangerous than others. However, you can sustain harm on the job in various ways, whether you’re in the construction industry or work in finance.
Unfortunately, Texas has its fair share of workplace accidents and injuries. While the state’s incidence rate was below the national average in 2021 and 2022, the numbers still paint a grim picture for workers in Texas. In both years, over 178,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in the private sector.
Many of these incidents could’ve been avoided by properly training employees, using appropriate safety protection, and keeping workplaces clear of unreasonable hazards.
Below, we discuss some of the most common work-related injuries.
1. Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many jobs in Texas involve driving. Examples include an employee who is running errands, a courier, or a truck driver. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation-related incidents accounted for nearly 50% of workplace fatalities in Texas in 2021.
These incidents could include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Taxi cab accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Bus accidents
Most of these collisions result from negligence – meaning they should never happen at all.
2. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of Texas workplace injuries and fatalities. They can result from cluttered work areas, slippery surfaces, or falls from heights.
These accidents can cause broken bones, sprains, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and head trauma. Many could be prevented by using proper fall protection, such as on construction sites, or keeping areas clean from spills or tripping hazards.
3. Exposure To Harmful Substances
Texas has experienced the most chemical incidents of any state in 2023. Industrial workers and nearby residents are at risk of chemical exposure after these accidents, which can result from explosions, chemical fires, and toxic releases.
Other examples of workers who could be at risk of exposure to toxic substances include:
- Farmers who work with fertilizers
- Oilfield workers
- Construction workers (asbestos, formaldehyde, etc.)
- Radiology technicians
- Workers in manufacturing plants
- Mine workers
- Welders
- People who work with cleaning chemicals
- Beauticians who work with dyes, nail polishes, and other related products
- Firefighters
Depending on the circumstances, workers could experience shortness of breath, dizziness, skin irritation, respiratory conditions, cancer, chronic illnesses, and various other complications.
People who work with chemicals or toxic substances should receive training on proper handling and how to avoid hazards and accidents. They should also be given adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Injuries Due To Contact With Equipment and Objects
Being struck by and caught in/between objects are some of the most common causes of construction injuries. However, these incidents can happen in many other industries.
Examples of these types of accidents include:
- An object falling on an employee, resulting in brain injury
- A worker’s sleeve being caught in a piece of machinery, resulting in the amputation of their hand
- A worker being caught between a wall and a forklift, resulting in crushing injuries
- An object flying into a worker’s eye, causing blindness
Many of these types of injuries could be prevented by training employees and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. However, communication lapses and carelessness also contribute to these incidents.
5. Overexertion and Repetitive Strain Injuries
Many workers and professionals are at risk of overexertion and repetitive strain injuries. People who work physically demanding jobs can overexert themselves, causing neck, shoulder, knee, and back injuries.
However, even improperly lifting an object or misusing a tool can result in injury. Additionally, repetitive motions, such as typing, poor posture while sitting, or working on your hands and knees, could cause strains, sprains, and tendonitis.
6. Burns and Electrical Injuries
Burns can result from a variety of incidents in the workplace, including:
- Explosions
- Overheated machinery
- Burns from touching a stove (e.g., for workers in the food service industry)
- Fires (e.g., firefighters)
- Exposure to chemicals or radiation
Additionally, electricians, construction workers, and people in extraction occupations are at high risk of suffering electrical injuries. However, even an office worker could be exposed to a faulty appliance or electrical cord. Electrical injuries can include nerve damage, burns, heart problems, and more.
7. Assault Injuries
Surprisingly, violence in the workplace is common. Assault – including hitting, shoving, stabbing, shooting, and strangulation – is the fifth leading cause of job-related fatalities. Most of these incidents occur in the service industry and healthcare settings.
Seek Help From a Houston Workplace Accident Lawyer if You’ve Suffered Injuries on the Job
If you’ve suffered these or any other work-related injuries, you may be entitled to compensation through a workers’ comp claim and/or personal injury case. It’s best to consult an experienced Houston workplace accident attorney for guidance.
Contact our Undefeated Houston Work Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated Work Accident lawyers in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have two convenient locations in Houston and Midland.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and its surrounding areas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
www.zehllaw.com
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000