Overview of Workplace Accident Statistics in McAllen, Texas  

In the Rio Grande Valley, the city of McAllen is a nationally renowned community that is vital to the economy of South Texas. Despite its diverse range of economic activities, McAllen's primary economic drivers include manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education, and agriculture. While each of these industries supports regional economic growth and job creation, they also pose risks and hazards in the workplace. Retailer slips, ergonomic injuries in healthcare, dangers associated with manufacturing machinery, and heat-related illnesses and accidents in agriculture are a few examples. Sufficient data were gathered primarily from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the State of Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and through local reports. Due to reporting delays, the data for 2024 is still preliminary, and the data for 2025 is incomplete, as it has a cut-off date of September 30, 2025. As this overview of workplace injury data spans the period from 2022 to 2024, where available information exists, some comparisons will be made with Texas and the Valley.  

Key Takeaways from Recent Workplace Accident Data (2022–2024) 



• Worker Fatalities: Texas recorded 826 workplace fatalities in 2024 (preliminary), down from 928 in 2023 but still the highest in the U.S. McAllen-specific data is limited, but the Rio Grande Valley saw at least 5–7 fatalities annually in recent years, often in construction and transportation; construction alone accounted for 140 statewide deaths in 2022. 
• Severe Injuries: A statewide 13% increase in severe injuries occurred in high-risk industries, such as construction, in 2024. In McAllen, there was also an increased risk of severe injuries in healthcare and manufacturing. Over 40% of injuries were upper extremity injuries (e.g., strains).   
• Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses: With an incidence rate of 2.4 nonfatal injuries per 100 full-time employees, Texas reported 2.6 million nonfatal injuries in 2023, representing an 8.4% decrease from 2022. At about 2.3 per 100, McAllen's rate was comparable. It was impacted by overexertion in the healthcare industry and slips and falls in the retail sector.     
• Top Contributing Factors: The leading contributing factors to nonfatal injuries, excluding other exposure cases, included falls/slips (25% of nonfatal cases), overexertion (20%), contact with objects (18%), and transportation-related injuries (15% of nonfatal cases). Additionally, both land exposure and long work hours relating to agricultural and retail work exacerbate injury risks, given the hot climate in McAllen.   
• Regional Impact: Hidalgo County (home to McAllen) reported over 1,500 nonfatal injuries in 2023, ~1% of Texas's total. Healthcare employs 20% of the workforce, contributing to higher illness rates. 

Worker Fatalities in McAllen Workplaces 

Most workplace fatalities that occur in McAllen are associated with construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Falls and vehicle-related incidents remain among the leading causes of injury-related fatalities in the region. Texas is expected to lead the nation with 826 deaths in 2023 (preliminary). 

The fatalities in McAllen often involve subcontracted labor within border trade logistics. The United States experienced 5,283 fatal injuries in 2023, which is a preliminary estimate of 3.7% less than in 2022. Texas accounts for approximately 15% of the total fatalities in the United States.  

Severe Injuries in McAllen Workplaces 

Severe injuries (e.g., fractures, amputations, hospitalizations) are tracked by OSHA, with manufacturing and healthcare subsectors at the highest risk. A 10% increase since 2022 has been attributed to McAllen's expansion in logistics.  

In 2023, there were 1.5 injuries for every 100 full-time employees in the extractive industry, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Texas's 2.4 injury and sickness rate is similar to McAllen's nonfatal injury rate.  

Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses in McAllen Workplaces 

BLS reported Texas's nonfatal injury and illness rate for private industry at 2.4 per 100 employees in 2023. Since McAllen's economy is primarily retail and healthcare, it tends to have a higher injury/illness rate in the service sector.  

There is widespread underreporting of workplace injuries in the agricultural industry, which is particularly notable when compared to the Permian Basin, where the energy boom's opportunities have attracted more scrutiny regarding workplace safety risks. In McAllen's example, logistics, the area with the most significant incidence of injuries, was significantly impacted by the economy's position as a hub for 40% of U.S. trade. 

Vehicle and Transportation Accidents in McAllen Workplaces 

Transportation and Vehicle Incidents at McAllen Workplaces. 15% of deaths in Pleasanton are from transportation incidents, further exacerbated by the tendency of trucks crossing the border at US-281 and I-2, with the Texas Department of Transportation commenting on the large volumes in 2023.  

Accidents at McAllen workplaces are significantly impacted by fatigue and the distance of trips across the border. In reality, fatigue and factors crossing the border accounted for 41% of Texas' transportation fatalities in 2022.  

Notable Workplace Incidents in the McAllen Area 

Several significant incidents have prompted employer investigations by OSHA in recent years, highlighting some of the hazards affecting workplace safety for workers in the construction and manufacturing industries.  

OSHA issued approximately 50 citations in 2024 in the Rio Grande Valley area, resulting in fines totaling around $500,000. If not in the Permian Basin, the Railroad Commission is much less relevant to workers in the Rio Grande Valley area, as the focus is on spills instead of oil.  

Broader Context and Trends 

• Production vs. Safety: Texas's 1.92 billion barrels (2023) are irrelevant to McAllen; instead, the $10 billion+ border trade strains logistics, with fatalities rising amid an economic boom. 
• Regulatory Notes: OSHA's heat rule proposal (2024) targets Valley risks; Texas is the state with the highest number of fatalities, but there has been a 13% decrease in severe injuries (2024). Underreporting in small firms is noted. 
• Limitations: BLS excludes self-employed individuals and focuses on the private sector. Raw data: BLS IIF, OSHA Fatality Inspection, TDI reports. 

A2X Law: Your Advocate for Workplace Safety and Justice 

In McAllen, the growing industry risk heightens the need for workers and their families to adopt safety practices and seek appropriate legal representation. A2X Law represents victims of workplace injuries. It means victims in their right to workers' compensation, personal injury claims, or wrongful death claims. A2X Law has identified the challenges specific to the Rio Grande Valley region. It has representatives who secure compensation and hold business owners and their insurers accountable for justice in cases involving workplace injuries or fatalities. Whether you or a loved one recently suffered devastating effects from a workplace accident, A2X Law can help you explore your options to seek legal relief and obtain support for your needs. 

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