Some professionals put their lives on the line every day they work. According to the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL CIO), about 344 workers died every day in 2022 due to hazardous working conditions. About 120,000 workers died from illnesses and diseases they got as a result of their occupations. [1]
Read on to learn more about the most dangerous jobs in the United States, the role OSHA plays in protecting workplace safety, labor statistics, and how a personal injury attorney can help if you are injured on the job. A Chicago personal injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here when you are ready to pursue justice for your injuries.
Workplace Safety and OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs workplace safety conditions. If OSHA standards are not met and individuals feel their safety and well-being are at risk, they can refuse to work.
How OSHA Protects Workers
OSHA was created in April 1971 and has been transforming the workplace ever since. Their mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and under its guidance, workplace fatalities, illnesses, and injuries have been significantly reduced. [1]
OSHA helps protect workers in several ways.
- Safety standards: OSHA sets minimum workplace safety standards for companies to follow.
- Inspections: OSHA can conduct random or requested inspections of job sites.
- Training: OSHA requires employees to undergo training before working in hazardous conditions.
Failure to meet OSHA requirements can result in significant fines.
OSHA’s Data on Workplace Fatalities and Injuries
OSHA has processes in place to help companies report workplace incidents. Each year, they collect data on all workplace accidents and fatal work injuries. They analyze the information to identify trends and opportunities to improve workplace safety.
This information can be used to:
- Increase regulations on high-risk industries
- Identify opportunities to enhance workplace training
- Adjust safety required safety protocols
Some professions are still dangerous, regardless of the safety protocols in place. Here’s a list of the most dangerous jobs (according to OSHA). If you’re injured while working, you can pursue legal action.
The Most Dangerous Jobs in the US
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the ten most dangerous jobs in the United States. [1]
Logging Workers
#1. Most Dangerous: 100.7 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers according to labor statistics
Logging workers work in the woods, using heavy machinery to harvest trees that are transformed into goods. There are a lot of reasons why this is the most dangerous job, including:
- Falling objects: Heavy trees, branches, and other debris can cause fatal work injuries.
- Machine malfunctions: Loggers use heavy machinery, chainsaws, and other dangerous tools to do their job.
- Environmental conditions: Winds can change unexpectedly, causing a tree to fall. They also have to work in remote locations in all weather types.
Logging workers may be forced to work long hours to meet customer demand. The stress can also lead to unsafe working conditions as they are expected to deliver at all costs. Logging workers often work in isolated areas, increasing the fatality rate.
Roofers
#2. Most Dangerous: 57.5 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Roofers are expected to work from extreme heights under various conditions, including wind and heat. This is why roofers’ fatal injury rate is so high. One mistake can lead to disastrous consequences, including:
- Roof falls: They can trip and fall from high distances.
- Falling objects: Workers can be struck by falling objects, tools, materials, etc.
- Tool injuries: Roofers use sharp tools to do their jobs, like saws, nail guns, frills, and more.
- Electrocution: Metal ladders and other tools can come in contact with power lines or other electrical sources.
It’s among the most dangerous jobs in America because of its height. The impact alone from the call can lead to fatal work injuries.
Fishing and Hunting Workers
#3. Most Dangerous: 50.9 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Fishing and hunting workers focus on catching wild animals. They can work in boats, in forests, and more. The animals they catch are primarily used for food and bait. Fishing and hunting workers face dangerous situations that can cause injuries, including:
- Transportation incidents: Their boat or vehicles may be involved in life-threatening accidents.
- Equipment malfunctions: Their tools can malfunction, which can cause serious injuries.
- Drowning: Fishing workers can fall off their boats and drown accidentally.
- Weather conditions: They are expected to work under any conditions, especially in remote locations.
Fishing and hunting workers can come into contact with wild animals that can cause fatal work injuries.
Construction Trades
#4. Most Dangerous: 38.5 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Construction trades cover workers who help to build things. Construction workers complete various tasks. Because they are in contact with raw materials, they are prone to fatal work injuries.
- Falls: They can easily fall from scaffolds, skylights, ladders, and other heights.
- Impact injuries: Falling objects, heavy machinery, materials, and other items such as nail guns, punch presses, and table saws, can injure workers by accident.
- Electrocution: Construction workers can accidentally touch live wires during the building.
- Exposure: Workers can be exposed to hazardous materials or weather conditions.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Workers often operate heavy machinery and specialized vehicles, like bucket trucks, cranes, aerial lifts, which can cause injuries if they aren’t properly maintained.
These accidents can be fatal occupational injuries, cause chronic pain, or severely impact your overall ability to work.
Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
#5. Most Dangerous: 35.9 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers operate various types of aircraft. They are responsible for ensuring it is safe for others to fly and navigating various weather conditions. However, it is among the most dangerous professions because of the following.
- Transportation incidents: Aircraft can be involved in accidents with others, crashes, and more.
- Radiation: They can be exposed to more radiation over the long term than traditional passengers.
- Slip and fall: Due to hazardous conditions, aircraft pilots and flight engineers can slip and fall on the runway.
Most aircraft pilot and flight engineer fatalities are due to transportation incidents.
Drivers, Sales Workers, and Truck Drivers
#6. Most Dangerous: 30.4 fatality rate per 100,000 workers
Drivers, sales workers, and truck drivers can be prone to car crashes that can cause workplace deaths. They often drive long hours under hazardous conditions. Drivers are consistently pushed to deliver their goods quicker, which can lead to fatal work injuries.
- Transportation incidents: Car and truck crashes are the most common reasons for workplace deaths among this population.
- Cargo: Unsecured cargo can cause fatal injuries among drivers.
Drivers can also experience chronic pain, medical conditions, and more as a result of their job.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
#7. Most Dangerous: 22.6 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Refuse and recyclable material collectors like garbage men can experience accidental fatal injuries while on the job. These are often a result of the following conditions.
- Heavy machinery: They use heavy machinery daily. Accidental contact with it can cause a workplace death.
- Transportation incidents: Workers can be accidentally struck by other drivers as they stop to pick up trash.
- Falls: Workers can fall from their vehicles by accident.
Garbage truck drivers are among the most dangerous jobs on this list. They can sustain several injuries, including crush injuries, broken bones, amputations, cuts, and more. In some cases, they can lead to fatal consequences.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
#8. Most Dangerous: 21.3 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Structural Iron and Steel Workers work with heavy materials to build. They often use heavy machinery or work from heights to conduct their daily job functions. These conditions can lead to fatal injuries.
- Falls: Iron and steel workers can slip and fall from heights.
- Machinery errors: Malfunctions with heavy equipment can cause death.
- Crush injuries: Body parts can get trapped under heavy equipment.
Structural iron and steel workers can climb over various surfaces to complete their work, and one false step can lead to a fatal work injury.
Underground Mining Machine Operators
#9. Most Dangerous: 20.1 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers
Some resources are underground, and there are mining machine operators who help make them available. They use maps to ensure the conditions are safe, but fatal accidents can still occur.
- Heavy machinery: Machinery errors can cause mine shafts to collapse. It can also accidentally strike others.
- Falling objects: Mining machine operators can be struck by debris as they work.
- Transportation incidents: Low visibility can cause crashes with other machinery underground.
Any underground work carries a heightened risk of death or injury. If the tunnels accidentally collapse, the consequences for all workers can be devastating.
Miscellaneous Agricultural Workers
#10. Most Dangerous: 20 fatality rate per 100,000 workers
Agricultural workers are also among the most dangerous jobs. Whether you are operating heavy machinery or simply in the fields, there is an increased risk of fatal work injuries.
- Heavy machinery: Being struck by heavy machinery, machinery malfunctions, and more can cause fatal injuries.
- Transportation incidents: Crashes with other workers are another cause of fatalities for agricultural workers.
- Chemical exposure: Agricultural workers are often exposed to harmful substances, pesticides, and extreme weather conditions.
Agricultural workers are outdoors and can experience environmental dangers, wild animals, and more.
Protecting Workers’ Rights
OSHA helps protect workers’ rights, and if you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Importance of Workplace Safety Regulations
OSHA regulations vary from industry to industry, but they are in place to help prevent work injuries and protect workers’ rights. Employees are entitled to safe working conditions. If they are not met, employees can file an official complaint.
OSHA will open an investigation into the claims. If the claims are substantiated, they may result in daily fines until the issue is addressed. The employee who filed is also protected from retaliation.
Workers’ Compensation for Injured Workers
Workers injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These claims can cover medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages, and other expenses incurred due to the workplace injury.
Employees must file a workers’ compensation claim, which the employer must investigate. Based on their findings, the employer can approve or deny the claim.
The Role of a Lawyer
You may not know where to start if you’re injured on the job. A Chicago workers’ compensation attorney from our team can help injured workers in various ways.
- Understand their rights: We can explain what your options are for compensation.
- Navigate the workers’ compensation system: We can advocate for you with your employer and provide documentation as needed.
- Pursue additional compensation: Workers’ compensation may not cover your total damages, and our lawyers can help you pay your expenses.
We are your advocate to ensure you get a fair settlement for your pain and suffering, even at the most dangerous jobs in America.
Secure Expert Legal Representation!
If you’ve been injured on the job, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. Our team of workers’ comp attorneys can provide a free consultation so you can understand your rights. Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form to get started!
References: [1] Aflicio