Nation’s Most Dangerous Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2010, there were over three million recorded cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private industry. This was attributed to over 370,000 cases of sprains, strains and teat, over 185,000 back injuries and over 200,000 injuries from some sort of fall. Statistics for fatal injuries was not much better. In 2010, the BLS reported that there were over 4,500 fatalities related to work-related accidents, with over 600 of them being from falls. While injuries can be sustained at any given job (even a desk job), there are certain industries that put their workers at more risk than others.

Below, we breakdown some of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.:

• Fishing – The BLS reports that the fishing industry suffers from 30 fatalities per year, with 115 deaths per 100,000 workers. This easily establishes the industry as one of the most dangerous around. The main problems with the industry include extreme weather (storming seas, wind, rain and icy decks), heavy machinery (such as steel cages) and the ever-present risk of drowning.
• Logging – The BLS reports that over 56 loggers were killed in 2010 in a work-related accident, an increase from the 36 that were killed the year before. The sharp edges of the tools that they use, falling trees and the aftermath of violent storms can result in extremely dangerous situations. This resulted in a fatality rate of 92 per 100,000 workers.
• Pilot – Flyingaircraft for a living, regardless of whether a commercial airliner or not, has a fatality rate of 71 death per 100,000 workers. Their main issue is quickly changing weather that can make it difficult to see upcoming obstacle, causing devastating collisions. Faulty machinery can also lead to perilous situations which put all passengers in danger.
• Farming / Ranching – The ever-changing circumstances of a farmer and rancher’s life lead to make dangers. For example, temperamental animals weighing over a ton can cause devastating injuries should they act up. Also, farming machinery (such as large tractors) can be the cause of life-threatening accidents. This has led to a fatality rate of 41 per 100,000.
• Mining – Those who mine, regardless of whether they are mining for coal or stone, are often placed into extraordinarily dangerous situations. Between exposures to dangerous gases, the danger of collapse and cave-ins, as well as explosions, miners can be subjected to some of the worst accidents. This led to a fatality rate of 39 per 100,000 workers.
• Roofing – Working from heights like a roofer comes with natural dangers. With falls contributing to huge portions of work-related accidents every year, they leave roofers extremely susceptible to injuries. While roofers are now receiving more training and education about safety measures to protect themselves, it is by no means cutting out all accidents. This has led to them with a fatality rate of 32 deaths per 100,000 roofers every year.
• Sanitation Workers – Collecting waste and otherwise working in the sanitation industry is more dangerous than it appears to the outside eye. Sanitation workers are required to work with heavy machinery in all types of weather, as well as with dangerous materials (which can also be hazardous). The fatality rate for this industry hovers at 30 per 100,000 workers.
• Trucking – Commercial truck drivers, as well as those who operate delivery trucks, are in one of the most hazardous industries, with more people dying on the job than almost any other industry. Trucking accidents are severe and can be caused by defective machinery, improperly maintained trucks, as well as negligent drivers. This has led to a fatality rate being at 22 per 100,000 drivers.
• Industrial Repairman – The machinery used in industrial workplaces are often highly dangerous, often using chemicals, lubricants and high heats. While this is dangerous for industrial workers, it is especially dangerous for those who are required to repair them – especially when safety guards are removed and the functionality of the machine is questionable. Fatality rate is 20 per 100,000.
• Law Enforcement – Police officers are often placed in some of the most dangerous situations, with criminals who can be downright desperate. This leaves them susceptible to serious accidents, such as assault and traffic accidents. Fatality rate of 18 per 100,000.

Other dangerous jobs include steel workers, electrical installers, as well as taxi drivers. Some industries, such as the ones listed above, have inherent dangers that are part of the job. This, however, does not mean that workplace injuries should be treated flippantly. Just because a job is dangerous by design does not mean that injuries and accidents should be expected. Workers have rights under the law and they deserve to be protected. No matter who is at fault, there are steps that you can take to seek just compensation.

Regardless, however, of the industry, if you have been injured, you deserve to have an experienced lawyer on your side who will be able to go above and beyond to protect you. At Zinda Law Group, our firm is fully qualified to help you seek the maximum compensation allowed under the law. No matter whether you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or if you are interested in a personal injury lawsuit, you can trust in our firm’s ability to help you. Contact us today if you are interested in scheduling your initial case evaluation and to speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer.