There is no question that one of the most dangerous places to work in Texas is on construction sites. There has been new research developed on such injuries. Researchers have released a comprehensive report called “Build a Better Texas: Construction Working Conditions in the Lone Star State”. The report reflects that out of about 1,200 workers surveyed in Houston and other major cities in Texas, 1 in 5 construction workers suffered a workplace injury. A large percentage of these construction workers ended up in emergency rooms. The report also shows that a large percentage of these injured workers received little or no safety training.

It has been stated by a former U.S. Secretary of Labor that Texas is the most dangerous construction industry in the United States. This is especially true with the explosion of the oil & gas industry once again. Between 2007 and 2011, 585 Texas construction workers died from workplace injuries. In the same time frame, 299 workers in California were killed even though that state had a much bigger construction workforce. Between 2003 and 2010, construction accounted for about 6% of the Texas workforce but also accounted for 26% of the total of workplace fatalities. Surprisingly, during that time frame Texas provided only 1 OSHA inspector per 103,899 workers. Texas is one of the only states that does not require all construction employers to subscribe to a Texas Worker’s Compensation insurance policy. Many construction employers provide a private policy or in some situations, no insurance at all. If you or a family member has been injured or killed on a construction job site, call the Law Office of Dan Kirby to discuss the facts. We will investigate and get to the bottom of who is responsible so that you will be rightfully compensated for your damages.