The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for the 2014 fiscal year and the statistics are not impressive for the Texas labor market. Up 3% from last year’s incidents, 524 fatal injuries were incurred, retaining the title as most injuries for the past 11 years. While Texas is admired for the abundance of job availability, it is also known for dangerous workplace injury environments. These three popular Texas industries may guarantee job security, but may not always provide workplace safety.
Texas Transportation
Ranked as the number one most common workplace injury in Texas, 237 industry drivers died in a work related accident in 2014. Almost half of all the accidents included an employee of the truck transportation service industry. Considering the never ending amount of highway access for Texas’ wide open spaces, it’s no wonder that 18-wheelers endure the most accidents.
It can be hard to share the road with vehicles four or five times the size of your car, but patience is worth it if it means saving a life. Truck drivers are known to be distracted and they tend to feel a false sense of confidence in their driving, making them less aware of other drivers. If you or someone you know was in an accident with a semi-truck driver, they are most likely an employee of a company that will be able to cover all of your fees regarding the incident. Calling a personal injury lawyer like Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas for a free consultation would be the best way to ensure total recovery.
Texas Construction
As home to 4 of the top 10 fastest growing cities in America (Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth), it is no wonder construction is one of Texas’ largest industries. Everywhere you look you can spot a crane, a detour or a new highway being built. Construction is a crucial part of the Texas economy, but with it comes the possibility of a serious workplace injury.
The most common injuries include slip-and-falls from high scaffolding or dangerous equipment, electrocution, falling debris or material, explosions and even overexertion. Unfortunately for many Texans, the state law does not require employers to have any worker’s compensation insurance. Texas is the only state that allows companies the option, and in most cases employers opt for private insurance companies. Families are constantly suffering to find ways to pay the bills for their loved ones who were injured with absolutely no insurance coverage. If this is the case for you, do not hesitate to call a personal injury lawyer skilled in fighting for proper worker’s compensation like the attorneys at Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas.
Texas Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry is one of the most popular and booming industries in Texas. Those who choose to work in the field are not compensated for insurance appropriately due to their status as contract or fee-based workers. This gives the private sector company less liability and options when an inevitable workplace injury occurs. There is a lengthy list of dangers associated with working in an oil field. Although not extremely common, an oil or gas explosion leads to many fatal injuries that may take years to recover from. According to the United States Department of Labor, the commonality of explosions has almost doubled since 2007. Other dangers include malfunctioning machinery and transportation of flammable products.
Texas may be booming, but our employees are suffering for it. If you or someone you know has recently been a victim of a workplace injury, contact Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas for a free consultation. We believe all workers should be fairly protected from dangerous working environments and will fight for the compensation you deserve!
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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