Most Dangerous Jobs in America
You may have heard of BLS. This federal agency, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compiles death and incidence reports across the United States. Each year, BLS’ annual report answers the question: what are the deadliest and most dangerous jobs in America?
On 16 December 2020, the BLS released its report for 2019: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary (USDL-20-2265).
Here are the 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States, based on BLS data published in December 2020:
10. Ground maintenance workers – Total fatal injuries: 229
9. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers – Total fatal injuries: 238
8. Structural iron and steel workers – Total fatal injuries: 18
7. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers – Total fatal injuries: 1005
6. Refuse and recyclable material collectors – Total fatal injuries: 31
5. Helpers, construction trades – Total fatal injuries: 20
4. Roofers – Total fatal injuries: 111
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers – Total fatal injuries: 85
2. Logging workers – Total fatal injuries: 46
1. Fishers and related fishing workers – Total fatal injuries: 44
There is no variance in which careers are on this list. No new industries were added, and no industries became so safe as to be removed from this list. Farmers and ranchers became safer, moving from #8 to #9 by lowering the fatal injury rate by 2.4%. After videos showing graphic abuse were released, one bright spot in farm and ranch safety came in the investigation and subsequent changes made at Fair Oaks Farm (Chicago Tribune).
Construction Work Becomes Deadlier
Fatalities in the private construction industry increased 5 percent to 1,061–the largest total since 2007 (BLS Report).
Construction and extraction occupations increased 6 percent in 2019 to 1,066–the highest figure since 2007 (BLS Report).
Working on a construction site and be dangerous. A construction site is where a building, land, or industrial machinery is built or repaired. The deadliness of the job increased in 2019 to the highest levels seen since 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Construction hazards can be minimized by emphasizing safety apparel and personal protective equipment.
6 Common Construction Hazards
- Falling from heights
- Personal injury from moving objects
- Slips and falls related to the unkempt workplace, exposed hazards
- Noise pollution (e.g., not wearing Double Hearing Protection when needed)
- Air pollution (asbestos, etc.)
- Electrical shocks without the use of static control products
Construction sites can be dangerous places.
If you need safety gear or respiratory protection, contact Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies. With over 16 years in business, Harmony has the safety gear companies need to protect their industrial operations. Our product experts standing by in the United States to answer any questions.