Occupational Fatalities Increased in Texas in 2005

In 2005, Texas recorded a 12.5 percent increase in work-related fatalities, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). A total of 495 fatal occupational injuries occurred last year, compared to 440 fatalities in 2004. There were 5,702 fatalities in the U.S. in 2005, about a 1 percent decrease from the revised total of 5,764 fatal work injuries reported in 2004, according to the most recently available data released by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI).

The DWC compiles information on all work-related fatalities occurring in Texas for the CFOI, a program jointly administered with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). DWC annually releases total fatality counts and descriptive data in an effort to provide information to promote occupational safety, and to reduce occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

A total of 200 persons were killed in transportation incidents in Texas in 2005, a 3 percent increase from 2004. Transportation incidents were the leading cause of occupational fatalities last year (see Table 2 in PDF attachment). The number of deaths resulting from assaults and violent acts increased by 24 percent in 2005 compared to 2004. A total of 67 persons died in Texas as the result of workplace assaults and violent acts in 2005.

Causes of Fatalities

Fatalities that resulted from highway incidents in Texas increased (3 percent), with the leading event being jack-knives/overturned vehicle incidents (78 percent increase). Sixty-six percent of all transportation incidents occurred on highways; 19 percent were mobile equipment related, and ten percent involved pedestrian workers who were struck by vehicles or mobile equipment in parking lots or non-roadway areas. Thirty-seven percent of the transportation incident fatalities occurred in the transportation and material moving occupations.

Following transportation incidents, contact with objects and equipment accounted for the second highest cause of fatalities (16 percent). In 2005, there was nearly a 4 percent increase in the number of fatalities involving contact with objects and equipment. Twenty-eight percent of these fatalities occurred in construction occupations.

The highest number of Texas fatalities from assaults and violent acts occurred in the trade, transportation and utility industries (28 percent). At the national level, assaults declined 3 percent (787 fatalities). Nationally, 34 percent of the workplace fatalities due to assaults and violent acts occurred in the trade, transportation and utility occupations (268 fatalities).

Occupations

The occupation with the largest number of fatalities in Texas in 2005 was motor vehicle operators (20 percent), with more than two-thirds of the total fatalities due to transportation incidents. The second leading occupation was construction trades workers (19 percent) and those fatalities were evenly split between falls and exposures to harmful substances or environments at 27 percent each.

Worker Demographics

Women accounted for slightly over 5 percent of the total fatalities. Women were victims of transportation incidents in 38 percent of the cases, and the victims of assaults and violent acts in 42 percent of the cases. Transportation incidents were still the leading cause of fatalities involving men (40 percent), followed by contact with objects and equipment (17 percent). Twenty-three percent of all fatalities were experienced by workers between 25 and 34 years of age, regardless of gender. White non-Hispanic workers comprised 49 percent of the total fatalities; black non-Hispanics accounted for 7 percent, and Hispanics accounted for 40 percent, this is an increase of 33 percent from 2004.

Fatality Prevention

To encourage occupational safety in the workplace, the Division’s Workplace and Medical Services section provides safety programs and services, including free safety and health consultations, free safety publications and video loans, and low-cost safety training. Additional information may be obtained from the Division by calling 512-804-4599 or e-mailing CFOI@tdi.state.tx.us.

Source: Texas Division of Workers Compensation