The Top 5 Most Dangerous Professions in Texas

There are many jobs that are dangerous in nature, from construction to oil and gas drilling. In the state of Texas, there are a handful of jobs that are considered more dangerous than others, leading to a need for organizations to encourage higher alertness and implement stricter safety procedures. Texas, in particular, is known for its oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, all of which carry a certain degree of danger. While the economy is once again flourishing, it is important to make note of the occupations that carry more hazards than others. Every single day workers in Texas put their lives at risk in order to perform these very necessary, sometimes grueling jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 527 total fatal work-related injuries in Texas, a number that jumped by more than 100 from 2012.

The most dangerous jobs in Texas are reflective of the rest of the United States, which should come as no surprise. However, Texas has the most work-related deaths of any other state, begging us to ask why our state is so prone to worker injuries and deaths. For one, the huge boom in oil, gas, and construction in Texas mean there are thousands of blue collar workers that put their lives on the line every single day. By taking the time to understand which occupations are more dangerous than others, we can hopefully move towards protecting our workers in the future. Texas is the only state in the United States that does not require employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which can be especially detrimental to those who suffer an injury while on the job. With that in mind, here is a look at the top 5 most dangerous professions in Texas:

1.  Big Rig Truck Drivers – According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the deadliest occupation in the state is tractor-trailer truck drivers. Big rig drivers have a 57% higher chance of experiencing fatal injuries than other professions. This is due to numerous factors, but namely the sheer weight and size of the vehicles they are driving.

2.  Construction Workers – This should come as no surprise, but the second deadliest occupation in Texas is construction. Every single day construction workers are at risk of sustaining serious injuries, or worse. There are many different causes of construction site accidents, from falling objects and electrocution to mechanical issues.

3. Maintenance and Repair Workers – Individuals who work in installation, repair, and maintenance positions are also at a much greater risk than others of sustaining injuries or death. However, these workers are more likely to sustain injuries than fatalities.

4. Oil and Gas Field Servicers and Drilling Workers – Individuals who make a living working in the oil and gas industry in Texas put themselves at risk every single day. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an average of 39 workers die every year because of an oil-related accident. Most of these deaths occur in remote locations and involve either oil and gas field servicers or drilling workers.

5. Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Aviation Workers – Statistics indicate that pilots and flight engineers have the third highest per capita on-the-job death rate in Texas. In recent years the state’s aviation industry has grown, which may also account for the increase in injuries and deaths.

If you have sustained a work-related injury or lost a loved one in a workplace accident in Texas, please contact Rad Law Firm today. Our DFW injury lawyers will walk you through your options and help you understand what the next steps are.