Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Every day, millions of Americans go to work and perform a wide variety of tasks in different industries. While some jobs are relatively safe, others come with a higher risk of accidents and injuries. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Logging worker

Logging is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with a fatality rate of 127.8 per 100,000 workers. Logging workers are at risk of accidents and injuries from falling trees, heavy machinery, and transportation incidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were a total of 95 logging worker fatalities in 2019.

Fishing worker

Fishing is another hazardous occupation, with a fatality rate of 117.3 per 100,000 workers. Fishing workers are at risk of accidents and injuries from rough seas, heavy equipment, and hazardous conditions. In 2019, there were a total of 46 fishing worker fatalities.

Aircraft pilot

Aircraft pilots face a variety of dangers on the job, including accidents and injuries from pilot error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions. The fatality rate for airplane pilots is 53.4 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 65 airplane pilot fatalities. Before you cancel that next flight, the vast majority of these are with light aircraft and helicopters. Commercial jet travel remains by far one of the safest ways to travel.

Roofer

Roofing is a physically demanding job that comes with a high risk of accidents and injuries. Roofers are at risk of falls, improper use of tools and equipment, and unstable work surfaces. The fatality rate for roofers is 47.6 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 104 roofer fatalities.

Structural iron and steel worker

Structural iron and steel workers face a variety of hazards on the job, including falls, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. The fatality rate for structural iron and steel workers is 37.5 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 37 structural iron and steel worker fatalities.

Refuse and recyclable material collector

Refuse and recyclable material collectors face a number of hazards on the job, including traffic incidents, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. The fatality rate for refuse and recyclable material collectors is 34.1 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 35 refuse and recyclable material collector fatalities.

Drivers including truck, delivery and professional drivers such as rideshare

Drivers are at risk of accidents and injuries from traffic incidents, fatigue, and vehicle malfunction. The fatality rate for drivers and sales workers is 25.5 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 1,045 driver/sales worker fatalities.

Agricultural worker

Agricultural workers face a variety of hazards on the job, including heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and animal attacks. The fatality rate for agricultural workers is 23.1 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 290 agricultural worker fatalities.

Electrical power-line installer and repairer

Electrical power-line installers and repairers face a number of hazards on the job, including falls, electrocution, and hazardous conditions. The fatality rate for electrical power-line installers and repairers is 22.1 per 100,000 workers. In 2019, there were a total of 25 electrical power-line installer and repairer fatalities.

Construction worker

Construction work is physically demanding and comes with a high risk of accidents and injuries. Construction workers are at risk of falls, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. The fatality rate for construction workers is 21.3 per 100,000 workers . In 2019, there were a total of 1,061 construction worker fatalities.

Staying Safe on the Job

As you can see, certain jobs come with a higher risk of accidents and injuries than others. While work safety has generally improved massively in the recent decades thanks to increased safety regulations and innovations, safety needs to remain a top priority to avoid workplace injuries.

If you work in one of these hazardous occupations, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your coworkers. This may include wearing protective gear, following safety protocols, and receiving proper training on how to safely perform your job duties. If you fear your workplace is unsafe then you report your unsafe workplace issues in writing. In the unfortunate event of an injury then you should seek legal advice for a local expert workplace injury attorney.

Posted By
Richard G
Richard has been working in the personal injury law space for nearly a decade.

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