April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The International Labor Organization (ILO) observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work (also just called “World Day”) every year as a way to raise awareness about work-related safety, and reduce on-the-job deaths and injuries. This year World Day falls on April 28 and the topic is participation and dialogue in creating a positive safety culture at work.

The ILO began recognizing World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2003, “in order to stress the prevention of accidents and diseases at work, capitalizing on the ILO’s traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue.” April 28 is also the  International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, recognized since 1996 by trade unions around the globe.

Each year, World Day notes both current and emerging risks in the workplace caused by technological, social, and organizational shifts, including:

• “New technologies and production processes, e.g. nanotechnology, biotechnology
• New working conditions, e.g. higher workloads, work intensification from downsizing, poor conditions associated with migration for work, jobs in the informal economy
• Emerging forms of employment, e.g. self-employment, outsourcing, temporary contracts”

As we learned from the COVID-19 crisis, workplace safety can play a huge role in preventing or mitigating outbreaks, fatalities, and injuries – and local/federal governments, employers, and employees have their own responsibilities.

When you work in an inherently dangerous job or industry, though, it’s of utmost importance your employer practices safety 100 percent of the time. It is their responsibility to provide the protective equipment you need to do your job, and it is their responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for you and your co-workers.

And if you find yourself injured in a workplace accident, our Texas attorneys can help.

What are the most dangerous industries in Texas?

According to EHS Today, the most dangerous industries in the United States are (in ascending order):

• Landscaping, Lawn Service and Groundskeeping Workers (20.2 fatal work injury rate; 48 fatalities)
• Construction Trades and Extraction Workers (21.0 fatal work injury rate; 144 fatalities)
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers (23.6 fatal work injury rate; 15 fatalities)
• Farmers, Ranchers and Agricultural Managers (24.7 fatal work injury rate; 257 fatalities)
• Truck Drivers and Other Drivers (26.0 fatal work injury rate; 966 fatalities)
• Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (44.3 fatal work injury rate; 37 fatalities)
• Roofers (51.5 fatal work injury rate; 96 fatalities)
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers (58.9 fatal work injury rate; 70 fatalities)
• Fishers and Related Fishing Workers (77.4 fatal work injury rate; 30 fatalities)
• Logging Workers (97.6 fatal work injury rate; 56 fatalities)

This list is based on reported workplace fatality numbers calculated per 100,000 full-time workers.

A Texas-based insurance agency also lists some of the most dangerous jobs right here, which mostly align with the rest of the United States, but are worth noting:

• Agriculture
• Fishing
• Aviation
• Commercial Trucking
• Construction
• Electrical Installation, Repair, and Maintenance
• Oil and Gas Extraction
• Garbage Collection

Even though some jobs are just inherently risky, you can take some steps to mitigate risks.

How can I keep myself safe on the job?

Consider the following when you perform your job each day (depending on your specific job duties and necessary protections, of course).

• Ensure you receive the proper training for your position, whether you are new to your job or have switched duties.
• Wear and utilize all the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to you, both for your own safety and to protect your case in the event you need to bring a personal injury claim.
• Understand your rights. Your employer should have OSHA information posted in public areas, and you can find a list of worker protections

And remember, if your employer prevents you from taking proper precautions or providing necessary training, or otherwise contributes to an environment that causes you serious harm, our Dallas and Fort Worth personal injury attorneys can help.

The attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger proudly represent workers in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout Texas who injured on the job. If you have suffered a severe or catastrophic injury because of unsafe and dangerous work conditions, we want to help. We understand that some jobs come with inherent risks, but we also understand that negligence is preventable. To speak with an experienced and dedicated member of our legal team, call our firm at  800-455-8686 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment today.