The National Safety Council has designated June National safety month to help increase awareness of preventable workplace injuries. The agency states that there are hundreds of thousands of preventable injuries that result in death to workers throughout the country every single year. Unfortunately, Texas, a state synonymous with growth and opportunity, leads the nation in workplace fatalities. As one researcher who reviewed the data notes, “where you work in America could determine whether you make it home alive.”
The story behind the data
It is important to remember that the data represents more than just numbers. Each fatality is an individual with a family. A worker trying to support their loved ones when they suffered a likely avoidable accident that led to their death. Take the recent story out of San Antonio, for example, where a worker suffered a fatal injury to his neck while conducting maintenance on a piece of machinery.
The reason for the high rate of deaths in Texas workplaces
Workers who repair machinery are just one subset that is at high risk of serious injury while on-the-job in the Lone Star State. Texas’ position as the leader in workplace fatalities reflects the state’s expansive energy, construction, and logistics sectors. These industries, while driving economic growth, also pose significant risks due to high-pressure environments and rapid expansion. The prevalence of small subcontractors, often operating on tight budgets, further complicates compliance with safety regulations.
- Energy sector risks: Oil rigs and refineries are high-risk environments where accidents can have catastrophic consequences.
- Construction challenges: Major projects often prioritize speed over safety, leading to preventable accidents.
- Logistics pressures: The demand for quick delivery can overshadow safety protocols, increasing the risk of injuries.
These factors contribute to a workplace culture where companies can sideline safety, putting workers at unnecessary risk of injury and death.
Workers’ compensation benefits can provide a lifeline for families
For those injured or families who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents, workers’ compensation offers support. To qualify, workers must prove the injury occurred during employment and was not due to personal negligence. If approved, coverage from benefits can help cover the cost of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.