Houston is a bustling hub of commerce and commercial activity, which is great for the region and for the many people who benefit from a healthy job market. Because much of this rich business environment is hinged on heavy industry, however, jobs in the Houston area can be dangerous. In fact, Houston sees thousands of workplace injuries and deaths each year.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we have cultivated national recognition and a reputation as bold and experienced advocates for injured victims and their loved ones. Over the years, we have leveraged more than a century of combined experience to help numerous clients who were injured in the course of performing their jobs, as well as families who lost loved ones in fatal workplace accidents. We know the types of occupations that face the greatest risks, and we know how to handle these cases when helping victims pursue the compensation they need.
Some of Houston’s most dangerous occupations include:
- Oil & Gas – The oil and gas industry is the backbone of Texas, and Houston is home to numerous enterprises that handle all aspects of extraction, refining, production, and distribution. Unfortunately, oil and gas occupations are among the most dangerous professions there are, with hundreds of thousands of injuries and thousands of deaths involving oilfield workers and others involved in refining or distributing crude oil, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The oil and gas industry is also known for large scale accidents involving explosions and fires.
- Offshore – Offshore occupations in the Houston area commonly involve oil and gas extraction, and they are among the most dangerous jobs in the world. Offshore workers face high risks of being hurt on the job, including risks of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
- Construction – As one of the largest metropolitan cities in the country, Houston is home to a thriving residential and commercial construction industry. OSHA statistics make it clear that construction sites are filled with potential hazards that pose risks to workers and others nearby, including risks of falls, electrocution, falling objects, and injuries caused by heavy equipment and machinery. OSHA reports that nearly 11,700 construction workers were injured and over 127 died statewide in 2020.
- Transportation – The transportation industry supports the bustling commercial activity throughout Houston and the state of Texas. Given the nature of transporting harmful materials and operating large and heavy vehicles, those involved in trade, transportation, and utilities face many risks, including high rates of fatal incidents. Others involved in the transportation of goods, services, and people also face risks all drivers face when traveling public roads and highways.
- Plant Workers – Plant workers may work in different sectors, but their industrial jobs all pose significant risks to workers who use large and heavy machinery, handle hazardous materials, and work with live electricity. Some of the largest catastrophic events in Houston and Texas have resulted from accidents at plants and other facilities.
While these occupations face substantial risks in the workplace, any employee can be injured on the job, especially when employers or other third parties violate safety regulations or fail to ensure the safety of working environments.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a workplace accident, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs are available to help you learn more about your legal rights and how we may be able to help you pursue compensation. Because time is an important factor in these cases, we encourage you to bring your situation to the attention of a Houston personal injury attorney from our team as soon as possible after the accident.
To get started, contact our Houston catastrophic injury lawyer for a free consultation.
