Why Construction Sites Are Among The Most Dangerous Workplaces In Texas
Construction is one of the most hazardous sectors of the economy across the state of Texas, and the statistics back this up. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor, more than 5,000 workers in the construction industry lose their lives a year. These aren’t just numbers. They’re real people: fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who never made it home from work one day.
So why is construction so dangerous?
The answer lies in the nature of the job. Construction workers operate heavy industrial machinery, work around moving vehicles, and often perform tasks at significant heights. The risks are real and constant. Some of the most common and deadly hazards include:
Falls
This is the leading cause of death on construction sites. Surprisingly, 65% of fatal falls happen from just 6 to 30 feet. These distances likely don’t sound deadly until they are.
Being Struck By Objects
Workers are fairly often hit by falling tools, swinging equipment, or cargo dislodged from cranes or excavators.
Electrocutions
From faulty power tools to live wires, electrical hazards are everywhere on a construction site.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
It isn’t unheard of for workers to be crushed between heavy machinery and walls or pinned by reversing trucks that didn’t see them.
These risks are amplified by the fact that many construction sites are temporary. This lends itself to various issues. For one, it’s not uncommon for scaffolding to be unstable. On top of this, safety procedures often aren’t followed, and equipment isn’t maintained. One simple oversight can cause a life-ending tragedy.
In Texas, these dangers disproportionately affect the Latino workforce. In fact, 67% of all worker fatalities in the state are among Hispanic or Latino workers, many of whom are foreign-born. Language barriers, lack of training, and employer negligence all further contribute to what very often are already unsafe conditions.
Understanding your rights isn’t just helpful. It can be life-saving.
Common Accidents And Construction Site Injuries In Texas
If you’re working in construction, you’re exposed to what I call the Fatal Four. These are hazards that plague construction workers every day, including falls, electrocutions, struck-by accidents, and caught-in/between incidents. I’ve represented workers and families impacted by all of them in cases that involved crushed limbs, wrongful death, and lifelong disability. These aren’t abstract risks. They’re daily realities for thousands of people, and they demand real solutions.
Why Immediately Reporting A Construction Accident Is Critical
If you’re injured on a job site, the clock starts ticking the moment the accident happens. As such, there are several reasons to report your injury right away:
OSHA Notification Requirements
Employers are legally required to report any injury that leads to hospitalization within 24 hours. This triggers an OSHA investigation, which documents the scene, examines procedures, and often results in citations for unsafe practices.
Preserving The Scene And Evidence
Construction sites change quickly. Without a prompt report, key evidence like sign-in sheets, job logs, equipment conditions, and witness statements can all be lost. Any delays can make it even harder to prove what really happened.
John Escamilla, founder of Escamilla Law Firm, PLLC, has devoted nearly three decades to advocating for injured workers across Texas, many of them in the high-risk construction industry. With roots in the Texas Court of Appeals and a career built on fighting for victims of workplace negligence, John has handled numerous cases involving falls, electrocutions, and crushed limbs caused by unsafe job sites. He knows how quickly these tragedies can unfold and how urgently victims need support.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t wait. Contact our firm today and protect your rights.
Protecting Your Rights
As an attorney, one of the first things I do in this situation is send a formal notice of claim to all relevant parties, demanding they preserve any and all evidence. In some cases, I even file a temporary restraining order to prevent anyone from altering the site before an independent investigation can be conducted.
If you remember one thing from this book, it’s this: don’t wait to report your accident and take action to be made whole. And, most of all, don’t assume your employer will do the right thing. Report the injury, and reach out to an attorney as soon as you possibly can.
What To Do If Your Employer Refuses To Accept Your Report
Unfortunately, it’s all too common for claims to be rejected by employers. Many of my clients come to me after being blamed for their own injuries. Employers may deny responsibility or refuse to report an accident to avoid increased insurance premiums or trigger the OSHA to get involved.
Here’s the hard truth: employers are not always looking out for you. Their priority is often protecting the company, not protecting you. That’s why you need an advocate. Someone to investigate what really happened. Someone who knows how to uncover negligence, whether it’s unsafe equipment, a lack of training, or ignored safety protocols.
Never take your employer’s explanation at face value. You deserve your own investigation. If you’ve been injured, don’t try to handle things on your own. Instead:
Consult an Attorney Early
Ideally, speak with a lawyer before filing a report. If you’re unable to do so, contact one immediately afterward to ensure the report is accurate, complete, and made to the correct entity.
Meet Deadlines
In Texas, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within 30 days of the incident. Missing that deadline could mean losing your benefits entirely.
Ensure All Responsible Parties Are Notified
A serious accident may involve multiple companies or contractors on the same site. Your attorney can identify and notify every entity involved, even those that you’d never guess had liability. This will go far in preserving and enhancing your legal options down the road.
Document Everything
Keep copies of medical records, incident reports, communication with your employer, and photos of the scene or injuries.
The construction industry will always carry some level of risk. That’s a given. But no one should have to face avoidable dangers, especially when the consequences fall on your shoulders for something that wasn’t your fault. Your safety is non-negotiable. If you’ve been injured, or you simply want to protect yourself before anything happens, know this: the law is on your side, and so am I.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on construction site injuries in Texas, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (956) 628-7569 today.
John Escamilla, founder of Escamilla Law Firm, PLLC, has devoted nearly three decades to advocating for injured workers across Texas, many of them in the high-risk construction industry. With roots in the Texas Court of Appeals and a career built on fighting for victims of workplace negligence, John has handled numerous cases involving falls, electrocutions, and crushed limbs caused by unsafe job sites. He knows how quickly these tragedies can unfold and how urgently victims need support.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t wait. Contact our firm today and protect your rights.
