Fatalities among Hispanic construction workers are cause for concern
Construction accident fatalities increased by 11 percent nationwide in the past decade, according to workplace accident statistics compiled by the CPWR - The Center for Construction Research.
Alarmingly, fatal injuries involving Hispanic construction workers increased by 31 percent during the same 10-year period, according to a recent report published by Safety + Health Magazine.
Construction Accident Fatality Statistics
The Center for Construction Research and Training based its recent study on workplace accident statistics compiled by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Between 2011 and 2020, there were 963 fatal injuries involving construction workers on average each year.
In particular, there were 781 construction accident fatalities nationwide in 2011 compared to 1,034 deaths involving construction workers in 2020. The highest death toll occurred the year before, when 1,102 construction workers died in work-related accidents.
According to the study conducted by the CPWR, the most common causes of construction accident deaths over the last decade include:
- Slip and fall accidents at construction sites (376 deaths and 22,900 injuries each year, on average).
- Transportation-related accidents (273 deaths each year).
- Exposure to harmful or dangerous substances (174 deaths).
- Being struck by an object or equipment (160 deaths).
- Violent attacks by coworkers (62 deaths)
Who’s most at risk?
While construction is inherently dangerous for all workers, certain individuals and professions face a higher risk statistically of being killed in a construction accident, according to the CPWR study. This includes:
- Hispanic workers (12.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers)
- Construction workers under 55 years old (9 deaths per 100,000 workers)
- Male construction workers (10.8 deaths per 100,000 workers)
As far as certain jobs at construction sites, the most dangerous ones include:
- Roofers (47 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers)
- Construction helpers (43.3 deaths per 100,000 workers)
- Structural iron and steel workers (32.5 deaths per 100,000 workers)
Contact a San Antonio construction accident attorney
You might think you don’t need a lawyer if you sustained a serious injury in a construction accident, but it's common to run into obstacles when you're on the road to recovery, and an attorney can help you find your way forward. Remember, all it takes is one mistake—and you could miss out on the compensation you're entitled to.
At The Herrera Law Firm, we can fight for your rights every step of the way. We know the local, state, and federal laws that apply to construction accidents in Texas and can leverage our extensive experience to your advantage so your case gets the outcome it deserves.
Put your trust in a law firm that believes winning isn't luck, it's knowing how to fight. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a San Antonio construction accident attorney who knows how to get the job done right. Our office is located on West Commerce Street in San Antonio, and we handle construction accident claims throughout Texas.
"The firm's level of professionalism and responsiveness is unparalleled. They were patient in explaining processes and procedures every step of the way. They made certain I was always fully prepared and knew what to expect. I highly recommend their services. Jorge Herrera and his entire staff were absolutely amazing. I'm so grateful that I had a team like the Herrera Law Firm fighting for me and my family." — Google review by Jessica R.
