Top 6 Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States

There were 5,333 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2019.  Here are the 6 most dangerous jobs in the United States, according to government data:

1. Fishers and related fishing workers (145 deaths per 100,000 workers)
2. Logging workers (68.9 deaths per 100,000 workers)
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers (61.8 death per 100,000 workers)
4. Roofers (54 deaths per 100,000 workers)
5. Refuse and recyclable material collectors (35.2 deaths per 100,000 workers)
6. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (26.8 deaths per 100,000 workers)

6. Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers play an important role—they are responsible for transporting finished goods and raw materials over land to and from manufacturing plants or retail and distribution centers.  Injuries can be prevented when drivers inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance.  However, drivers/sales workers and truck drivers typically transport flammable materials that can cause serious injury and death.  Common life-threatening injuries include:

• Burn injuries
• Spin cord injuries & paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Amputations & crush injuries
• Neck injuries

5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Sanitation workers are exposed to a variety of hazards on the job—the machinery they operate, other motorists, and the negligence of coworkers.  The following are some of the most common accidents that result in injury to refuse and recyclable material collectors:

• Being struck by a backing truck
• Being struck by a negligent, inattentive, reckless driver
• Being struck by garbage or debris launched by the compactor
• Equipment malfunction
• Inadequately trained employees

4. Roofers

Like the other professions listed here, roofers safety is often overlooked by employers and the precautions that could prevent an accident are not put in place.  Common roofer injuries include:

• Falls
• Being hit by falling objects
• Tool/equipment malfunction
• Exposure to heat and cold
• Electrocution

3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

As air traffic increases so does the risk that a plane and its passengers will be injured.  However, when a plane accident occurs, the outcome for pilots, engineers, and passengers is death.  The most common causes of aviation accidents include:

• Pilot error
• Faulty equipment
• FAA regulations violations
• Structural/design problems
• Negligence of air traffic controllers
• Negligence of flight attendants
• Carrier negligence

2. Logging Workers

Dangers associated with logging may not be obvious to those without experience in the industry.  Logging is done in areas with difficult terrain where access to medical personnel is scarce.  Workers are exposed to the elements and are often worked without rest.  Some causes of injuries include:

• Tractor accidents
• Dangling branches
• Axe and saw injuries
• Uneven terrain

1. Fishers and related fishing workers

Fishers and fishing workers work long hours.  They often have seasonal employment and are at sea for weeks or months at a time.  They work without sleep and stand on deck for long periods of time, despite being tossed around on rough seas.  The majority of fatal injuries occur in Alaska, Massachusetts, Florida, Louisiana, and Oregon.  Most injuries are caused by contacts with objects or equipment and overexertion.

Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one were injured during a serious accident at work, we strongly encourage you to speak with our top-rated work injury attorneys. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with Morrow & Sheppard LLP, give us a call at (800) 489-2216 or contact us online today.