According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average work-related fatality rate is 3.6 per 100,000 workers, but for many occupations, this rate is much, much higher. At Buttafuoco & Associates, our Northern New Jersey workplace accident attorneys have helped clients in a variety of dangerous industries get the compensation they deserve after an accident. In this article, we’ll cover the 10 deadliest jobs in the country, according to 2022 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and discuss when an attorney may be able to help.
10. Agricultural Workers
Fatality Rate: 20 per 100,000 Workers
Common Injury Causes: Tractor Overturns; Roadway Crashes; Equipment-related Injuries; Slips, Trips, and Falls; Animal-Related Violence
In addition to fatal injuries, agricultural workers experience high rates of non-fatal injuries, especially workers 55 or older, accounting for roughly two thirds of all injuries in the industry. Recent data suggests that 42% of all agricultural workers reported a sprain or strain between 2014 and 2015. Furthermore, there is evidence of injuries being significantly underreported among these workers.
9. Underground Mining and Machine Operators
Fatality Rate: 20.1 per 100,000 Workers
Common Injury Causes: Roof and Sidewall Collapses; Explosions; Machinery Accidents; Powered Haulage Accidents; Gas Poisoning, including Carbon Monoxide
While we often think of the lasting health and environmental damage of mining, the immediate physical dangers to minors are myriad. The most common cause of mining-related fatalities are powered haulage accidents; this is a broad category that includes injuries related to any powered machinery used to move mined material, including rail cars, hauling trucks, forklifts, bucket elevators, etc.
8. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Fatality Rate: 21.3 per 100,000 Workers
Common Injuries: Lacerations; Sprains; Overexertion; Falls from Great Height
Ironworkers are key on most commercial construction sites, and often they are working at great height. This in mind, ironworkers require extensive safety training and proper equipment to help keep them safe on the job site.
7. Refuse and Recycling Collectors
Fatality Rate: 22.6 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Vehicle and Traffic Accidents; Strains; Machinery Accidents
In 2021, 75% of refuse workers reported a work-related injury. Given the nature of refuse collection on roadways, the most dangerous—and among the most common—of these are struck-by vehicle accidents.
6. Truck Drivers
Fatality Rate: 30.4 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Traffic and vehicle-related accidents, including vehicle collisions and being struck while on the side of the road.
Heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers are the most at-risk truck drivers, largely because of the long hauls on the road. It’s recommended that truck drivers limit their hours on the road to reduce fatigue and therefore the chance of an accident.
5. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Fatality Rate: 35.9 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Vehicle Crashes, Machinery Accidents
While commercial flights are very safe, the most common injuries among pilots and flight engineers occur in shipping industries, private aircraft, and medical aircraft.
4. Construction Trades
Fatality Rate: 38.5 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Slips, Trips, and Falls; Falls from heights; Electrocution; Struck by Objects; Equipment Failure; Vehicle Accidents; Fires and Explosions; Toxic Exposure
At Buttafuoco & Associates, our Northern New Jersey workplace accident lawyers often work with victims of workplace accidents in the construction industry. In fact, it is often considered the most dangerous occupation in the state of New Jersey.
3. Fishing and Hunting Workers
Fatality Rate: 50.9 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Drowning; Slips, Trips, and Falls; Machinery and Equipment Injuries
Commercial fishing workers are often exposed to hazardous conditions at sea, including hazardous fishing equipment, ice formation, slippery decks, and large waves. Furthermore, given the remote nature of fishing and hunting work, transportation to medical facilities for emergency care is very difficult, increasing the risk of various injuries.
2. Roofers
Fatality Rate: 57.5 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Slips, Trips, and Falls; Falls from Height; Burns; Heat-Related Injuries and Illness
Roofers must always use proper safety equipment to avoid falls from height. Furthermore, inclement weather, such as rain or snow, can increase the chance of injury.
1. Logging Workers
Fatality Rate: 100.7 per 100,000 Workers
Common Accidents: Equipment Accidents; Transportation Accidents; Slips, Trips, and Falls
Logging tops the list of deadly jobs, with nearly twice the rate of fatalities as any other industry on the list. While non-fatal injuries have declined in recent years, the rate of fatal injuries has continued to climb. By far the most common reason for fatal logging accidents is contact with equipment.
Can an Attorney Help You?
If you have experienced a workplace injury, or your loved one suffered a fatal workplace accident, it’s imperative to work with a workplace accident attorney in Northern New Jersey. Get in touch with our experienced team at Buttafuoco & Associates to get you the compensation you need.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
