A January 2024 “Safety Alert” published by Texas Mutual Insurance recounting serious workplace injury trends in 2023, based on claims reported to the insurer, found that the construction industry remained at the top of the list, representing 39% of serious workplace injuries “with more than triple the number of reported claims of any other industry.”
According to the report, there were “nearly 6% more severe injuries reported to Texas Mutual in 2023 compared to the previous year,” and the six industries in the chart “with the highest number of claims remained in the same rank order as in 2022.”
“All other industries” had the second highest number of serious incidents, followed by “Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services” and “Mining” tied for third at 11%; “Manufacturing” in fourth at 7%; and “Transportation & Warehousing” and “Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting” tied for fifth at 5%.
Construction Industry Claims and Trends
“Though almost two-thirds of the specific construction industries reported more claims in 2023 than the previous year, the three with the largest increase were the following: all other specialty trade contractors (133% increase); oil and gas pipeline and related structures construction (175% increase); power and communication line and related structures construction (500% increase),” according to the report. Furthermore, there were 150% more electrocution-related claims reported to Texas Mutual in construction in 2023, and over a third of the incidents occurred while the employee was working at heights.
Commenting on Texas Mutual’s findings, CLM Member Stephen J. Henning, founding partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, says, “As the construction industry continues to face a concerning rise in worksite injuries, it is crucial to address the root causes and implement effective solutions. This trend underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to safety in the industry. Factors such as complacency among experienced employees and lack of proper training contribute to the increase in incidents. To combat this, we must prioritize ongoing training and provide leadership opportunities to experienced employees, ensuring they remain vigilant and actively contribute to a robust safety culture.
“Additionally,” Henning continues, “it is essential to address the significant increase in electrocution-related claims, particularly those occurring at heights. By focusing on implementing safety measures and best practices, we can create safer construction environments for all workers. It is imperative for employers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate and invest in proactive safety strategies to protect the well-being of construction workers and prevent future accidents.”