In Texas and throughout the country, there’s always a certain amount of risk that is inherent with every job. Some jobs are undoubtedly more dangerous than others, such as working on a construction site versus working in an office behind a desk all day. However, in either case, there are numerous issues that can cause workplace accidents.
Your Texas employer has an obligation to provide you with proper training for the duties you must carry out in the workplace. Your employer must also make sure you have access to available safety equipment and that you’re aware of known hazards on the job. If another person’s negligence, recklessness or malicious behavior causes you injury in the workplace, you have a right to seek restitution in civil court.
Falling, especially to a lower level, is a primary issue in workplace accidents
If you use scaffolding, a ladder, stairs or work on rooftops at your job, you’re at great risk for injuries caused by falling. Falls also often occur on one level, such as by slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a wire or debris. Falling is one of the most common causes of injury in workplace accidents.
OSHA says nearly 10% of workplace accidents involve objects hitting someone
Falling objects and malfunctioning equipment (ex., belts coming loose from machinery) can strike a worker in the head of another part of the body, often resulting in severe injuries. If a heavy object falls from a great height and hits you, investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration may become involved to check whether any safety violations occurred.
Motor vehicle collisions cause many Texas worker injuries
Whether you’re a pedestrian at the time, driving somewhere during your workday, if another vehicle hits you, the results can be devastating, especially if you suffer a brain or spinal injury. A large percentage of workplace accidents occur because of motor vehicle collisions. If it was a distracted, intoxicated or reckless driver who hit you, the court can hold him or her accountable by ordering compensation for damages.
Equipment and machinery disasters
In addition to a piece of equipment striking you, you might be at risk of other machine-related injuries. Many tragedies have occurred in the past — some including fatalities — where workers have become entrapped between machine parts or lost a limb to a high-powered piece of equipment. Your employer must conduct regular inspections of all equipment and machines used in the workplace to ensure your safety and the safety of your coworkers.
When workplace accidents occur on a Texas job site, seeking medical attention for those involved is a top priority. Beyond that, workers can receive care and treatment according to their specific needs. If someone’s negligence was a direct cause of a workplace accident, you can file a third-party claim.