Not all jobs are equal. Some jobs are more dangerous than others and have high injury and fatality rates. These jobs are associated with accidents, physical dangers, and other health hazards like exposure to toxic chemicals. Some of these jobs are in fields like construction, agriculture, and oil extraction, which involve a lot of physical labor. Hence, they require rigorous safety precautions. However, even with these precautions, these jobs are dangerous and may cause injuries and deaths.
In this list, we will explore 10 of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
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Logging Workers
Being a logging worker is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to 2020 data from Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate per 100,000 workers is 91.7. Logging is a physically demanding job and involves cutting down trees using heavy machinery. There’s always the danger of falling trees and equipment malfunctions. Moreover, logging workers usually work in remote locations in the country where there is limited medical access.
Commercial Fishers
Commercial fishers face rough seas. Unpredictable weather conditions, long hours, risk of drowning, and hypothermia are some of the dangers commercial fishers face in their daily work life. They also have to deal constantly with heavy fishing equipment, nets, and traps, which could make them physically exhausted. During 2000-2017, commercial fishing had a fatality rate over 28 times higher than the U.S. average.
Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
You might have heard that flying in an airplane is safer than driving in a car. But this is not true in the case of pilots, especially those who fly small aircraft, private and cargo planes. They have dangerous jobs. They face risk factors like harsh or unpredictable weather and mechanical failures. Long hours, remote flight locations, and fatigue can also affect their safety and cause the risk of crashes.
Roofers
Roofing is a job that’s always done from a height. Therefore, roofers always face the risk of falling from roofs or ladders. They face many dangers, including slippery surfaces, lack of proper safety equipment, and extreme weather conditions, which could cause injury and death. The average fatality rate per 100,000 roofers was 51 (2019-2020 data from Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Refuse and recyclable material collection (garbage collection) is a surprisingly dangerous job. According to a study done by Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Miami, in combination with the University of Miami, when compared to average workers, garbage collectors are injured 5 to 7 times more. Some of the dangers they face include impatient drivers who try to pass garbage trucks and end up hitting them, exposure to harmful chemicals, cuts and infections from sharp objects.
Construction Workers
Working in construction always involves a certain level of danger. Construction workers face many dangers. They may work from heights and experience falls and scaffolding accidents. There’s also the risk of falling debris or materials, specially if they are not wearing proper safety equipment. Moreover, they work with power tools and heavy machinery and if their attention wanders for a few moments, it could result in severe injury and even death.
Truck Drivers
Long distance driving is a tough task. Doing it in a heavy vehicle like a truck makes it even more tough. Truck drivers work long hours, driving across the country in all types of weather conditions. They have limited breaks and high-pressure deadlines. This is why they are at high risk of highway accidents and collisions. 2019 and 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the fatality rate per 100,000 truck drivers is about 26.
Farmers and Ranchers
Farming and ranching may look harmless jobs, but they are not. The National Safety Council has stated that agriculture is one of the most hazardous jobs, with 16 accidental deaths occurring per 100,000 agricultural workers (in 2021). Danger from heavy machinery, tractor rollovers, livestock accidents, exposure to pesticides and chemicals, and extreme weather conditions are some of the dangers faced by agricultural workers.
Power Line Worker
One of the main dangers power line workers faces is the risk of electrocution from high-voltage power lines. In addition, they normally work at heights on utility poles and towers. Hence, they are also at the risk of falling and accidents. They also have to work long and exhausting hours during natural disasters or emergencies. National surveys and utility company data show that 42 out of every 100,000 linemen are killed on the job each year.
Oil and Gas Extraction Workers
Workers in the oil and gas industries work in extreme environments, usually on offshore rigs or remote drilling sites. They are constantly surrounded by heavy machinery and drilling equipment, which can malfunction or cause serious injury. There is always the risk off explosions, fires, and chemical exposure in oil rigs. These workers often have long shifts and suffer from physical exhaustion, which makes them more vulnerable to accidents.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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