How Employees Are Most Often Injured in the Lone Star State
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 2.5 million Americans suffer some type of non-fatal injury at work every year. What are the most common types of workplace injuries? What jobs pose the greatest risk of injury? Let’s take a closer look.
The Primary Causes of Workplace Injury in Texas
Data collected by state and federal officials indicates that the following types of injuries are most frequently reported:
- Slips, trips and fall—These accidents can stem from a variety of circumstances, including
- Slippery surfaces, including wet, oily or icy steps, stairs, walkways, ramps or floors.
- Slips and falls can also be the result of dangerous or defective flooring, such as torn carpet or linoleum, broken tiles or damaged floorboards, as well as insufficient lighting.
- Workers may also stumble or trip over trash, debris or obstacles in the workplace.
- Repetitive stress or motion injuries—In manufacturing, industrial and even retail, workers may spend hours performing the same physical task. This can lead to a wide range of injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back or neck sprains or strains and shin splints.
- Motor vehicle accidents—Many workers must get behind the wheel as party of their job, putting them at risk of injury in a car or truck accident.
- Accidents involving tools, machines or equipment—Another common cause of on-the-job injuries is the malfunction or breakdown of mechanical devices, such as presses, fabricators, assembly tools, ladders, scaffolding, power tools, hi-los and other equipment. It’s not unusual for a worker to be struck by or have a body part get caught in a large or dangerous machine. Unfortunately, far too often, the machines have safety mechanisms built into them that have been disabled, either for ease of use or to enhance production.
- Fires and explosions—Many jobs put workers at risk of injury because of the proximity of gas lines, combustible materials or open flames. According to the Department of Labor, about 3% of all non-fatal workplace injuries involve either a fire or an explosion, often with serious and catastrophic injury.
Let the Personal Injury Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen Help You When You’ve Suffered a Workplace Injury
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than four decades of proven experience to people across the Lone Star State who have been hurt in any type of work-related accident. We know that the civil justice system can be confusing and intimidating, and will take the time to carefully explain the process at every juncture. Contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
