Construction Accidents: Flawed Approach to Safety Leads to Workplace Deaths

This year's edition of the national report "Death on the Job" shows that in Texas, 495 people were killed while working and 246,000 were injured in 2005. Flaws in Texas' workplace safety are of concern. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is so underfunded and understaffed that it would take 132 years to inspect workplace in Texas a single time. Texas does not require that employers cover their employees with Workers Compensation. There is no state agency that can fine and punish employers who endanger and harm their workers. Texas also is behind in creating rules that prevent workplace injuries.

Flawed approach to safety results in workplace deaths

Texas has seen its share of workplace tragedy in the last couple years. The Texas City explosion at a BP refinery killed 15 workers and injured many more. The Bush administration says it is doing enough for job safety but evidence shows otherwise. The Bush administration has cut workplace ergonomic protections, shut down new workplace safety and health rules and has favored voluntary safety programs instead of enforced ones. Memorial Day is a time to remember lost workers and do something so their deaths won't have been in vain.

Occupational Hazards