Top Causes of Texas Construction Accidents
A booming economy has led to many benefits for Texas. The construction industry, in particular, has seen massive growth over the past decade. However, with this growth, the number of Texas construction accidents has drastically risen, making Texas one of the top states for workplace accidents.
Leading the nation in safety violations, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has enrolled many Texas employers in the severe violators program where OSHA inspectors return to a jobsite more frequently for inspections. Despite this, hundreds of workers continue to die every year from construction accidents.
Top Causes of Texas Construction Accidents:
- Safety Violations – In an effort to finish jobs on time and on budget, some employers cut corners. Skipping safety steps can take the form of failing to provide safety equipment like harnesses, railings, hard hats, gloves, etc. and/or failing to provide adequate signage regarding wet surfaces, live electrical wires, and other hazardous situations. Proper safety procedures and protocols are crucial to preventing construction injury accidents.
- Inadequate Training – Due to the nature of the work, construction workers are exposed to more risk than workers in most other industries. Because of this, employers are required to properly train all employees. Proper training on equipment and safety protocols can drastically reduce the likelihood of an accident.
- Heavy Machinery – Construction workers rely on heavy machinery to accomplish their jobs, but heavy machinery can be incredibly dangerous if not operated properly, or if unmaintained. Heavy machinery accidents can commonly cause amputation injuries and other catastrophic consequences.
- Defective Tools – If the tools construction workers use to perform their jobs don’t work correctly, that can easily cause workers harm.
The Fatal Four In Construction Accidents
The majority of construction accidents fall into four categories, dubbed the “Fatal Four:” falls, caught in or between accidents, struck-by accidents, and electrocution. OSHA estimates that eliminating the fatal four could save as many as 508 workers’ lives a year.
Texas Construction Accident Attorneys
Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a construction accident, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact the experienced construction accident attorneys at Craft Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your case.