The Bureau of Labor statistics tracks and documents all the work-related injuries and fatalities that occur in the United States. A news release from September 2014, National Consensus of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2013, can give us a pretty accurate idea of which jobs are the most dangerous and deadly.
Top 10 Deadliest Jobs
According the BLS, the industries below had the highest fatal work injury rates in 2013.
- Logging workers (91.3 per 100,000 full-time workers)
- Fishers and related fishing workers (75.0)
- Aircraft pilot and flight engineers (50.6)
- Roofers (38.7)
- Refuse and recyclable material collectors (33.0)
- Mining machine operators (26.9)
- Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers (22.0)
- Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (21.8)
- Electrical power-line installers and repairers (21.5)
- Construction laborers (17.7)
The dangers in many of these professions are simply inherent. Logging workers or lumberjacks, for instance, have several hazards: falling trees, using saws and other equipment, and more. The fishing industry, has always been a hazardous industry. Poor weather, slippery conditions, and falling overboard are real concerns.
The third most deadly industry, the flight and aircraft worker industry, has a lot of dangers to contend with that are really out of the workers’ hands. Pilots, engineers, and support staff have to deal with the deadly risks of malfunctioning machinery and crashes.
“Some occupations that seem dangerous, like firefighting and tractor operation, are actually relatively safe; both of those jobs, for example, are less dangerous than being a car mechanic. Some of the safest jobs of all, with less than 10 deaths among all full-time workers, include computer and mathematical professions, and legal occupations,” notes Forbes.
Major Events That Caused Workplace Fatalities
The BLS also reported which major events caused the 4,405 worker fatalities in 2013. They are listed below in order of prevalence.
- Transportation incidents (40 percent)
- Violence and injuries by other people or animals (17 percent)
- Slips, trips, and falls (16 percent)
- Contact with objects and equipment (16 percent)
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments (7 percent)
- Fires and explosions (3 percent)
When Workers are Injured or Killed on the Job
While there are some inherent hazards in certain sectors, all workers are owed a reasonable degree of safety in their workplace environment. When workers are injured or killed, they or their families are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, if a party other than an employer or co-worker caused the accident, the injured worker or his family can file a third-party liability claim.
If your loved one was injured or killed on the job, you are welcomed to call our injury attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC. We would be happy to review your case and explain your legal options to you. Contact us at 215-642-2335 to schedule a free consultation.
