May 31, 2023

Head-on collisions and falling objects

As a service to our policyholders, Texas Mutual shares serious workplace injury trends based on catastrophic injuries and fatalities reported to our claims department. Not all of these reported injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, but our goal is to help you ensure these types of incidents do not happen in your workplace. Find safety tips below to help keep your employees safe on the job.

If you have questions, we encourage you to contact our safety services support center at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723) or safety@texasmutual.com.

In this alert:

• Head-on collisions
• Falling objects

Motor vehicle crashes: Head-on collisions

An employee was driving a group of coworkers to a job site on a two-lane road. An oncoming vehicle swerved to avoid a slowing vehicle, crossed the center line and struck the employee’s vehicle. In another incident, an employee and their coworker were hauling supplies on a long-distance trip when an 18-wheeler crossed the center line and struck them.

Head-on collisions frequently result in severe or fatal injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. Defensive driving techniques can help drivers identify and avoid oncoming hazards.

• When driving in the dark, ensure your headlights are on to improve visibility.
• Avoid distracting activities like eating and using a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
• If you’re driving on a two-lane road, stay slightly to the right of the center of your lane.
• Lower your speed according to traffic, weather and visibility conditions.
• If you notice an oncoming hazard, slow down and move to the right if it’s safe to do so.

Falling objects

An employee was standing near a forklift, which was being used to lift heavy material. The load became unbalanced on the forklift and fell onto the employee. In another incident, an employee was struck by a falling tree branch while working to clear tree limbs.

It’s important to remember that hazards can occur from all directions. Follow job task procedures while working and wear appropriate protective equipment to stay safe.

• Wear a hard hat that fits appropriately any time there is potential for items to fall from above.
• When loading items onto forklifts, cranes or other equipment, ensure the load is balanced and secured.
• Always stay within the weight limit of any equipment being used.
• Avoid standing under suspended loads and use a rope or tether to guide material if needed.
• As an equipment operator, move the load slowly and avoid carrying it over other personnel.

Get free safety resources

Texas Mutual policyholders have access to thousands of free training materials in our multimedia safety resource center, including our safety catalog with up-to-date resources.

To access the free materials, log in to your texasmutual.com account and select Safety. If you need help accessing the safety resource center or you have a workplace safety question, call us toll-free at 844-WORKSAFE (967-5723).

Download a PDF (150KB) version of the May Safety Alert.