Prioritizing Safety in Texas Construction

In the Texas construction sector, where potential hazards are an inherent part of daily operations, the responsibility lies heavily on employers to ensure a safe working environment for their teams. From managing risks associated with heavy machinery to ensuring proper handling of hazardous materials, maintaining safety standards is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a crucial obligation to protect workers and prevent injuries.

Recent data from the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation highlights the urgency of this responsibility: in 2022 alone, there were 178,800 total recordable nonfatal injury cases reported among private industry employers in Texas. Furthermore, the construction industry experienced 141 worker on-the-job deaths, accounting for 24% of all workplace fatalities in the state. These figures underline the significant impact that workplace incidents can have on workers’ well-being and emphasize the need for rigorous safety protocols.

To aid in this essential effort, the Occupational Safety and Health Consultation (OSHCON) program, offered by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, provides free and confidential consulting services. OSHCON is designed to help employers not only meet but exceed OSHA standards, thus enhancing workplace safety and contributing to substantial cost savings through improved compliance and reduced risk of injuries.

Empowering Small Employers: OSHCON’s Role in Enhancing Workplace Safety

OSHCON offers a vital service to Texas employers by providing expert consultation on workplace safety and health standards. This program assists employers in identifying potential hazards, evaluating industrial hygiene, and receiving technical updates on OSHA standards. Through these services, employers gain access to valuable training and assistance in developing safety programs tailored to their specific needs. What makes OSHCON particularly accessible is the provision of training materials, expert consultations, and even hands-on training sessions at no cost, ensuring that even employers with limited resources can benefit from the program.

Small, private-sector employers in Texas find this program especially beneficial. These businesses, which often lack the staff or funds to develop extensive safety programs independently, can rely on OSHCON for comprehensive support in navigating the complexities of workplace safety regulations. The eligibility for OSHCON’s services opens up opportunities for these small employers to not only comply with necessary regulations but also enhance the overall safety and health of their work environments, leading to potential savings on insurance and workers’ compensation costs while boosting employee morale.

The consultation process with OSHCON is designed to be straightforward and minimally disruptive to daily operations. Employers can request a consultation through various means, including online forms, direct calls, and emails, and can expect a structured, thorough approach from the OSHCON team. The process typically begins with an initial meeting to discuss the employer’s needs, followed by a detailed walk-through of the workplace to identify specific hazards. This is complemented by an assessment of existing safety policies and a closing meeting to discuss findings and necessary corrections. The goal is to ensure that any identified hazards are addressed promptly, with a clear plan and timeline for correction, fostering a safer workplace without significant interruptions to business operations.

By engaging with OSHCON, small employers in Texas can significantly elevate their workplace safety standards, benefiting from the depth of knowledge and resources offered by the program while fulfilling their responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

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Mikal Watts

Written on behalf of Mikal Watts, and reviewed by Watts Law Firm LLP

Mikal C. Watts is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Martindale-Hubbel AV Rated Lawyer.