Which Jobs Are More Dangerous?

Deaths on the job are at their highest level since 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Get a quick break down of the top 10 most dangerous occupations and understand the common causes for fatalities, fatal injury rate rankings, and average salaries.

 

 

The following is a transcript of the America's Most Dangerous Jobs infographic:

America's Most Dangerous Jobs

According to the BLS, here are the top 10 most dangerous professions with the highest fatal injury rates.

#1 Fishers and Related Fishing Workers

Median Salary: $31,190

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 99.8

Drowning causes the most fatalities. Crews are also at risk from slippery decks, entanglement in nets and gear, and large waves washing over decks.

#2 Logging Workers

Median Salary: $38,840

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 84.3

Most fatalities are from being struck by a falling object or equipment (mainly trees and machinery).

#3 Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

Median Salary: $137,330

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 48.6

Human error is the most common cause for fatalities; pilots of small planes are especially at risk.

#4 Roofers

Median Salary: $38,970

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 45.2

Slips and falls, burns, and heat-related illnesses cause the most fatalities.

#5 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Median Salary: $36,160

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 35

Being struck by other vehicles and backing incidents are the main causes of fatalities.

#6 Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Median Salary: $52,610

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 33.4

Falls are the leading cause of death. Workers also have a high risk of being struck by objects and equipment.

#7 Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

Median Salary: $24,040

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 26.8

The majority of work is spent behind the wheel, making vehicle accidents the main cause of fatalities.

#8 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Median Salary: $69,620

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 24

Motorized vehicle incidents and highly physical work are the main reasons for fatalities.

#9 First-line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Median Salary: $47,030

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 21

Operation of powerful machinery often causes unintentional contact with objects and equipment, causing death.

#10 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Median Salary: $69,380

Deaths per 100,000 workers: 18.7

Electrocution from high voltage power lines and falls from great heights are the main causes of fatalities.

Minimize Occupational Hazards

Create custom safety signs and labels using a DuraLabel labeling system. Print exactly what you need to increase safety and productivity in any workplace, like machinery operation reminders, safety instructions, and product labeling.