At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers we believe that your safety and health are the most important thing, however, safety at work is not always the priority of business owners or bosses. However, workers have the legal right to a risk-free workplace. If you, a loved one or a coworker suffers an accident, do not hesitate to contact Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, to receive a free, confidential consultation in Spanish.

Austin Workplace Accident Statistics

Workplace accidents in Austin, Texas, continue to be a concern, especially in industries like construction. In 2023, the construction industry reported three times more serious injury compensation claims than any other industry in the state. This sector reported 39% of all serious claims, compared to 7% in manufacturing.

Additionally, Texas is one of the states with the highest number of fatal workplace accidents in the country. In 2022, 578 workplace deaths 578 muertes laborales, were recorded , of which 141 occurred in the construction sector. The most common incidents include falls, electrocutions, and accidents involving heavy machinery.

At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we know that the risks of accidents due to negligence by management and employers can be present in any workplace. If you, a loved one, or a coworker suffers a workplace accident, do not hesitate to call us for a free and confidential consultation.

Identifying common workplace hazards

Occupational health and safety risks vary significantly depending on the sector of employment. Identifying these risks in the workplace is essential to ensure employee safety. The most common risks across different sectors are highlighted below:

1. Construction Industry : The construction industry is known for being one of the most dangerous industries. According to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, there were 133 construction fatalities in Texas, with falls being the leading cause of death . Nationwide, approximately 351 of the 1,108 construction deaths in 2020 were due to falls. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most construction fall deaths could have been prevented by following mandatory workplace safety measures.
2. Manufacturing Industry : The manufacturing sector presents a variety of workplace hazards that can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were approximately 396,800 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the manufacturing industry in the United States, representing a rate of 3.2 incidents per 100 workers. Common hazards in this sector include the use of heavy machinery, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and handling heavy materials, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Amputations, crush injuries, and burns are some of the most serious accidents that occur in this industry.
3. Restaurant and Hospitality Workers : The hospitality sector, which includes restaurants and hotels, also faces several occupational hazards. According to the BLS, 221,100 injuries and illnesses were reported in the U.S. accommodation and food service industry in 2022, with an incidence rate of 2.7 per 100 workers. Falls, slips, and trips are the most common causes of injuries in this sector, often due to wet or uneven surfaces. Additionally, kitchen workers are at risk for burns, cuts, and injuries related to handling hot or sharp equipment.

The role of the company in occupational safety

Businesses and employers have a legal responsibility to provide safe working conditions for workers. To accomplish this, they are required by law to follow OSHA safety standards. However, many businesses and employers do not follow these guidelines. According to OSHA, most construction worker deaths could have been prevented by following safety guidelines.

One of the main requirements of workplace safety regulations is the implementation of a comprehensive safety program. This program must include the identification of workplace hazards, such as work areas at height without adequate protection and wet surfaces that can cause slips and falls.

Another key aspect of occupational safety is providing regular training to employees. This training should cover a variety of topics. For example, how to recognize hazards, how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), and what to do in the event of an emergency. OSHA notes that lack of proper training is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents. Additionally, proper use of PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, and harnesses, is critical to preventing serious injuries.

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Finally, companies have a responsibility to foster a workplace safety culture, where employees feel empowered to report hazards without fear of retaliation. This not only improves worker morale, but also significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Effective industrial safety practices

Your safety and health are of the utmost importance. Although companies and employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe place for all their workers, sometimes this does not happen. Therefore, it is essential that you know the main risks that you can identify and mitigate.

1. Fatigue : A critical aspect of workplace risk prevention is addressing the danger of fatigue. Fatigue can lead to decreased attention, errors in judgment, and a significant increase in the likelihood of accidents. According to a study by the National Safety Council, fatigue contributes to approximately 13% of all workplace accidents, underscoring the importance of proper time and rest management at work.
2. Heights : Working at heights increases the risks workers face. All heights pose a significant risk of falls, which are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. In order to recognize the risks and be able to report them to your employers or whistleblowers, you need to know OSHA’s work at height standards.
3. Wet and slippery surfaces : Wet or slippery surfaces are another common cause of accidents, especially in industries such as hospitality and construction. Slip and fall accidents result in thousands of injuries each year, many of which are serious.

Adopting good workplace safety practices is crucial to minimizing these risks and ensuring a safe work environment. One of the most important practices is the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Continuing training is equally essential. Workers must be constantly trained in workplace safety protocols and emergency procedures.

What do I do if I have a work accident?

If you suffer an accident at work, it is crucial that you follow a series of steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the compensation to which you are entitled by law.

1. Health : The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Health and safety are the priority, and a health professional will be able to assess the true extent of the injury.
2. Reporting the Accident : Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible. Formal notification is a key requirement for initiating a workers’ compensation claim. According to OSHA, the report must be made within a reasonable time, preferably within 24 hours.
3. Documentation and evidence : If possible, document all details related to the accident, including witnesses, the exact location, and how it happened. This information will be valuable if you need to file a claim. Be sure to keep copies of all medical documents and communications with your employer.
4. Contact Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers : Schedule a free, confidential consultation in your language with a lawyer specializing in work injuries. At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers we can help you navigate the compensation process and identify all parties responsible for the accident. Our law firm will work to obtain the maximum compensation that you are entitled to by law.

In the event of an accident, we offer you representation that provides security and peace of mind.

At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we know that safety at work is essential to the health of workers. For this reason, we are committed to working to enforce the rights of injured workers and force the parties responsible for the workplace accident to pay maximum compensation to our clients. If you, a loved one, or a coworker has suffered an accident, do not hesitate to contact us for a free, confidential consultation in Spanish. By hiring us, you never have to pay us directly from your pocket. Call Abogado DANG to give the insurance companies a BANG!

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Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.