Texas workers have right to work in an environment that is reasonably safe, no matter what type of job they have or industry they work in. When employers fail in their responsibility to keep workers safe by enforcing safety measures, provide training and take other steps, it can lead to a higher chance of workplace accidents and other types of harm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently fined a Texas contractor $422,006 for various safety violations.
The recent citations against the company came after a worker for RKM Utility Services Inc. died in a trench on a job site in Dallas. His death was the result of dangerous levels of the gas hydrogen sulfide. The citation specified that the company failed to train workers on certain safety procedures when working near this gas and do other things to make workers safe. The gas is both toxic and flammable, which can lead to serious health problems and a chance of an explosion or fire.
When workers will be working on jobs where they may be exposed to this gas or working near it, employers have to test the gas levels, especially in places like trenches or other confined areas. They also should use exhaust systems that can remove some of the dangerous gas from the air. Employers are also responsible for training workers to recognize signs of a problem and train them on how to implement and use safety methods.
In the event that a Texas worker suffers harm on the job, he or she has the right to fight for recovery. It is possible to hold appropriate parties accountable for negligence and unsafe conditions that lead to workplace accidents. After an incident, an employee or family may find it helpful to seek a full understanding of their legal options.