7 Ways Your Employer Could Be Putting You at Risk for a Serious Injury

When you step into your workplace, you expect to be safe. Yet, countless employees are in hazardous environments daily, exposed to risks they never agreed to face.

While accidents can happen, many workplace injuries stem from negligence—avoidable dangers employers fail to address. At Bandas Law Firm, we’ve seen the devastating toll these injuries take on workers and their families.

If you’ve been hurt at work, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Corpus Christi can help you navigate the challenges ahead.

Workplace safety is not a privilege; it’s a right. Here are seven ways your employer could be putting you at risk for a serious injury—and how to protect yourself if they do.

1. Ignoring Proper Safety Training

One of the most basic responsibilities of any employer is to provide adequate training. Unfortunately, many workers are thrown into their roles without understanding the potential hazards they face.

For example, OSHA reports that nearly 5,200 workers died on the job in 2021, with a significant portion resulting from improper training. Industries like construction and manufacturing often see higher rates of injuries due to employees being unprepared for dangerous tasks. If your employer skips or cuts corners on training, they endanger your life.

2. Failing to Maintain Equipment

Faulty machinery or tools are a recipe for disaster. Employers must inspect, maintain, and repair equipment regularly to prevent malfunctions. A single piece of defective equipment could result in catastrophic injuries such as amputations, fractures, or even fatalities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 7,000 workplace amputations occur annually. If your injury stems from poorly maintained tools, a Corpus Christi work injury attorney can help you hold your employer accountable.

3. Overworking Employees

Fatigue is a silent but deadly risk in the workplace. Overworked employees are more prone to mistakes, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Employers who push workers beyond their limits—whether through long hours or mandatory overtime—may violate federal labor laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

If exhaustion leads to your injury, a top-rated Corpus Christi workers’ compensation attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

4. Cutting Corners on Protective Gear

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for many jobs, especially in high-risk industries. However, some employers either fail to provide proper PPE or supply subpar equipment to save costs.

This neglect can lead to severe injuries, such as chemical burns, hearing loss, or exposure to toxic substances. OSHA mandates that employers provide PPE to workers at no cost, yet violations are common. If inadequate PPE contributed to your injury, don’t hesitate to consult a workers’ comp lawyer near me.

5. Ignoring Workplace Hazards

Slippery floors, exposed wires, or cluttered workspaces may seem minor, but they can lead to significant injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls, trips, and slips are some of the most common workplace accidents, causing over 800,000 injuries each year.

Employers are responsible for identifying and addressing these hazards promptly. When they don’t, they jeopardize your safety.

6. Disregarding Health and Safety Regulations

Employers are legally obligated to comply with federal and state safety standards. Yet, some choose to ignore these laws, gambling with workers’ lives. For example, Texas law requires employers in industries like construction and oil to adhere to strict guidelines to minimize risks.

When companies violate these regulations, they must be held accountable. If your employer’s negligence caused your injury, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Corpus Christi can help.

7. Failing to Address Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is an often overlooked hazard. According to OSHA, nearly 2 million workers report being victims of workplace violence annually. Employers must protect employees by implementing safety protocols and addressing threats promptly.

If your employer ignored warning signs or failed to create a secure environment, you may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured at Work

An employer’s negligence can change your life in an instant, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to provide a safety net for injured employees, but navigating these claims can be overwhelming. Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, which can further complicate your case.

If you’ve suffered due to your employer’s failure to provide a safe workplace, acting quickly is crucial. A Corpus Christi work injury attorney at Bandas Law Firm can help you gather evidence, navigate legal hurdles, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Bandas Law Firm Cares

At Bandas Law Firm, we understand that a workplace injury doesn’t just impact you—it affects your entire family. Our team is committed to ensuring you don’t face this battle alone. As a top-rated Corpus Christi workers’ compensation attorney, we’ve spent years helping injured workers rebuild their lives.

Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery. Contact a workers’ comp lawyer near me today for a free consultation. Together, we can hold negligent employers accountable and secure the future you deserve.