America’s 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

Although it is certainly possible to be injured at any job, some occupations are far more dangerous than others. The job market in Florida is a bit different than that of the rest of the country. As a result, the most dangerous jobs in Florida are not necessarily the most dangerous jobs in the rest of the United States.

The Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States
In 2014 there were 4,679 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States, an increase of 2 percent over the 4,585 fatal work injuries which occurred in 2013. Some occupations are far more dangerous than others. The majority of workplace fatalities actually occur within just a few industries.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the top ten most dangerous jobs in the United States are as follows.

1. Fishers: The fatality rate for fishers is 131.52 per 100,000 workers. If you watch the show “Deadliest Catch” this shouldn’t surprise you. Malfunctioning equipment, bad weather and transportation incidents make fishing a very dangerous occupation.
2. Loggers: The fatality rate for loggers is 97.05 per 100,000 workers. Heavy machinery, bad weather and working at extreme heights make logging a dangerous way to earn a living.
3. Airplane Pilots: The fatality rate for pilots is 69.53 per 100,000 workers. Although plane crashes are rare, frequent flying can eventually catch up with you.
4. Mining: The fatality rate for miners is 56.79 per 100,000 workers. Long hours, dangerous equipment and enclosed spaces make mining very dangerous.
5. Iron and Steel Workers: The fatality rate for iron and steel workers is 42.61 per 100,000 workers. Working with heavy equipment and materials at great heights increases the fatality rate for this occupation.
6. Roofers: The fatality rate for roofers is 36.26 per 100,000 workers. Once again, working at height will increase the fatality rate for any job. Roofers use dangerous equipment as well.
7. Garbage Collectors: The fatality rate for garbage collectors is 33.16 per 100,000 workers. Collecting trash is not only a messy occupation, but also quite dangerous.
8. Farmers and Ranchers: The fatality rate for farmers and ranchers is 24.04 per 100,000 workers. Long hours and close contact with heavy machinery lead to the majority of farming fatalities.
9. Truck Drivers: The fatality rate for truck drivers is 24.03 per 100,000 workers. Very long hours and quick turnarounds only add to the danger of trying to control 40 tons on a speeding highway.
10. Power Line Installers and Repairers: The fatality rate for power line workers is 22.85 per 100,000 workers. Working at height and exposure to high voltage electricity make this job very dangerous.

Florida’s Most Dangerous Jobs
The most dangerous jobs in Florida are somewhat different than the nation as a whole. According to Florida Trend, the most deadly jobs in Florida are as follows.

• Truck Drivers
• Construction Workers
• Landscape Workers
• Police Officers
• Supervisors/Managers and Sales Workers
• Laborers and Material Movers
• Electricians
• Building Cleaning Workers
• Roofers
• Agricultural Workers

Florida regularly places in the top three states each year for workplace fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 221 fatal work accidents in Florida in 2014. Most of these accidents were transportation related with 78 such accidents. Falls, slips, and trips were second with 50, and exposure to harmful substances or environments was third with 39.

179 of the fatalities were wage and salary employees, while 42 were self-employed. The majority of those killed on the job were middle-aged, white men.

Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Gainesville, FL
Workers’ compensation can provide valuable benefits to a deceased worker’s family. To get more information, contact an experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney.