DANGERS FACING FACTORY AND PLANT WORKERS IN TEXAS
Workplace injuries can happen in any profession, but some present more hazards than others. Houston is home to some of the largest manufacturing companies in the country and is teeming with plants and factories. Unfortunately, these industries have some of the highest worker injury rates. If you are injured on the job, you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
At The Karam Law Office, we represent individuals who have been injured on the job. Our lawyers handle injury cases and workers’ compensation claims for employees injured at work or in catastrophic accidents. We proudly serve clients in Sugar Land, TX, and the whole Houston area. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, contact our office at (832) 753-1769 to schedule a free consultation.
The 5 most common workplace injuries Houston plant workers include:
1. SLIP AND FALL INJURIES
According to a recent Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of all workplace deaths in the state. Plant and factory workers are particularly prone to slip and fall injuries.
Slip and fall injuries can be severe, resulting in catastrophic harm. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 5 falls results in a serious injury such as head trauma and broken bones. Failure to provide adequate fall protection is one of the most commonly cited safety violations. Tragically, many slip and fall injuries are preventable.
2. TRANSPORTATION-RELATED INJURIES
Transportation incidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Texas. As reported by the state’s Department of Insurance nearly half (46%) of worker deaths were related to transportation.
Transportation accidents at plants and factories in the Houston area may include incidents that occur while operating forklifts and heavy machinery or while driving goods from one location to another.
3. CRUSHING INJURIES
Plant workers across the board are required to operate dangerous machinery regardless of what industry they are with including the energy, aerospace, or automotive sector. The machinery and equipment used in factory operations are generally complex and require extensive training. When a plant worker receives inadequate training or supervision, it can have deadly consequences.
Crushing injuries are common in plants and factories where workers are required to operate this type of machinery. Other machine-related injuries may result from entanglement or equipment malfunction.
4. EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS
Due to the types of plants that are found in Houston and the surrounding areas, such as those related to the oil and gas industry and food manufacturing, many workers risk exposure to toxic chemicals.
Toxic chemicals can cause a variety of severe injuries including loss of vision, lung damage, skin irritation, and burning of the eyes, nose, and throat.
5. BURN INJURIES
Several factory fires have made the news recently resulting in unthinkable harm to workers. Many plants in the area use flammable liquids or materials. If ignited, the fire can spread quickly and become uncontrollable. Many times, a lack of proper ventilation and safety measures is responsible for these fires and subsequent burn injuries.
INJURED ON THE JOB IN HOUSTON? CONTACT OUR OFFICE.
Were you or your loved one injured while working in Sugar Land or the greater Houston area? Contact our office at (832) 753-1769 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
