According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the top 10 most dangerous jobs have more than double the rate of fatalities across all occupations, in some cases over 20 times higher.
“While every job has importance and risks, there’s something to be said about the top 10 most dangerous jobs,” said Nicole Noble, a product manager at Graphic Products. “Our infographic serves as a visual resource to remind workers of the importance of working safely and complying with regulations and best practices.”
1.0) Fishers and related fishing workers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 86.0 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accidents: Drowning, slippery decks, entanglements with nets and gear
- Median annual wage: $31,190
2.0) Logging workers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 135.9 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Struck by objects such as trees and machinery
- Median annual wage: $38,840
3.0) Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 55.5 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Human errors due to overexertion and bodily reaction
- Median annual wage: $137,330
4.0) Roofers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 48.6 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Falls, slips, and trips
- Median annual wage: $38,970
5.0) Refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 34.1 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Falls, slips, moving vehicles and trips
- Median annual wage: $36,160
6.0) Structural iron and steelworkers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 25.1 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Struck by moving and falling object
- Median annual wage: $52,610
7.0) Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 24.7 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Distances to travel and time spent behind the steering wheel
- Median annual wage: $24,040
8.0) Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 23.1 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Motorized machinery, physical labor, falls, slips, and trips
- Median annual wage: $69,620
9.0) First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 13.2 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Operating powerful machines, direct contact with machinery
- Median annual wage: $47,030
10.0) Electrical power-line installers and repairers
- Fatal injuries in 2016: 14.6 per 100,000 workers
- Most common accident: Electrification from high voltage power lines and fall from great heights
- Median annual wage: $69,380
Due to the extremities of the jobs discussed, there is always a risk involved. Through studies and statistics, the government strives to put into place the most effective safeguards that are often severely prosecuted if not adhered to.
