Construction Work Accident Injury Statistics in Texas

The statistics on construction work accidents are rather alarming in Texas, as well as throughout the United States.

While there is no doubt many of these accidents are just that—accidents—the majority of construction work accidents are actually preventable. Most construction worker injuries are the result of either carelessness, lack of proper training, or unsafe work conditions.

Statistics on constructions accidents in Texas:

• In 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 493 fatal work injuries in Texas (compared to 536 in 2012). While this figure represents an approximately decline of eight percent, the figures are only preliminary and will see a revision in the spring.
• According to the Texas Tribune, Texas has experienced the highest number of worker fatalities in seven out of the last ten years, even with the decline in 2013. It has also seen more job-related fatalities than any other state in ten of the last fourteen years.
  • The statistics for other large states in 2013 include California with 385, Florida with 234 and New York with 160.
• Though fatalities declined overall in 2013, the number of Latino workers who died in work-related injuries increased by seven percent nationwide in 2013 compared to 2012. (797 in 2013 and 748 in 2012).
• Transportation accidents caused 213 deaths (the most-common cause of workplace fatalities) compared to: 76 falls; 73 slip and falls; 66 violence by humans or animals; 32 fires and explosions; and 31 cases of exposure to unhealthy substances or harmful environments.
• Workers in the state of Texas suffered 580 more deaths in a period of ten years than one might expect in the state (based on the national average for those injuries and number of people employed in those jobs).

Between 2003 and 2012:

• A total of 4,593 deaths occurred in Texas, higher than the expected estimate of 4,014.
• Among the ten largest states, Texas showed the highest rate of excess deaths.
• While 17 smaller states showed higher rates of excess deaths, all of these states had fewer than 25 percent of  the number of Texas workplace deaths.
• The fatality rate for oil and gas drilling in Texas was 62 percent lower than average, in spite of the fact it is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States.
• Specialty construction trades accounted for the most excess deaths—719 total (242 higher than expectations).
• Texas had the worst fatality rate in several construction trades, with falls on the construction site being the most common cause. 300 workers in construction trades died in falls during the 10 years the analysis was being conducted.

Construction work accident statistics on a national level.

• One out of every ten construction workers suffer at least one injury each and every year.
• Throughout a 45-year-career, there is a one in 200 chance that a construction worker will die in a work accident.
• Fall protection standards are violated more than any other OSHA standard.
• Ironwork has the highest rate of injury in the construction industry.
• Maine had 5 construction-related deaths in 2012 compared to 1057 in Texas.
• Sixty percent of injuries at a construction workplace occur within the first year of a worker’s employment.
• 7 percent of all construction injuries are the result of exposure.
• During the decade spanning from 2002 to 2012, the construction industry accounted for 19.5 percent of all workplace deaths.
• Since 2005, road construction fatalities have seen a decline of 36 percent.
• A total of 15 percent of lead poisoning cases in the United States involve construction workers.

Workers' compensation and the potential for a lawsuit.

While all of these statistics are alarming, it is also important to keep in mind that the Texas Department of Insurance reported that in more than sixty percent of work-related fatalities, families receive no benefits from workers’ compensation. If you've been injured in a construction accident or have lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident, let an attorney review your case for free and determine the legal options available to you. We may be able to help you and your family recover significant compensation after a construction work injury.

Email us using the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.