Dangerous jobs are those that carry a higher risk of injury or death compared to other occupations. Workers in these jobs often work with hazardous materials or equipment, in dangerous environments or in situations where accidents are more likely to occur.
The importance of knowing the most dangerous jobs is to identify the risks involved in particular occupations and take measures to prevent or mitigate those risks.
In 2021, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the US alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It was an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year, which recorded 4,764 fatalities. Out of the total fatal injuries in all sectors, 1,253 were due to roadway incidents, 850 were caused by slips, trips, and falls, and 481 were from homicides. In addition, there were 2.6 million non-fatal injury cases in private industries in 2021 alone.
On-the-job deaths have been rising in recent years, rising from 4,821 in 2014 to 5,250 deaths in 2018, an increase of 9% over the 5-year period. However, the rate of deaths adjusted for employment has only risen approximately 2.2% over the same period, as an improving economy has led to additional employment. In 2018, the average fatality rate among all jobs was 3.4 per 100,000 workers.
In this article, we'll explore the top 10 most dangerous professions in the world, the common hazards faced by workers, the fatal injury rate, most common causes of injury or death, plus safety tips to help mitigate the risks.
1. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are considered to have one of the most dangerous professions. They are responsible for the safe operation of aircraft. They are responsible for flying and navigating airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. They must be able to interpret flight data, weather reports, and air traffic control instructions to make decisions during flight. They also perform pre-flight checks and ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
Pilots and flight engineers are exposed to various hazards and risks, including:
- High altitude and low oxygen levels
- Turbulence and severe weather conditions
- Mechanical failure of aircraft parts
- Fatigue and stress from long hours of flying
- Exposure to radiation during flight
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals and gases in the aircraft cabin
- Risk of collision with other aircraft
- Terrorism and hijacking threats
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death for aircraft pilots and flight engineers include aircraft crashes, in-flight medical emergencies, exposure to hazardous chemicals and gases, collision with other aircraft, pilot error, mechanical failure of aircraft parts, weather-related incidents, and terrorism and hijacking.
2. Roofers
Fatal injury rate: 41 per 100,000 workers
Total deaths (2018): 96
Salary: $42,100
Most common fatal accidents: Falls, slips, trips
Roofers are responsible for installing, repairing, and replacing roofs on homes and buildings. Their work involves taking roofing materials such as shingles, metal, or other materials onto roofs and securing them. Roofers generally must use ladders or other equipment to climb on top of buildings. The most common cause of fatal work injury for roofers is falling off roofs or ladders.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death for roofers include falls from heights, electrocution from overhead power lines, heat exhaustion and dehydration, musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions and heavy lifting, exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials, eye injuries from flying debris and dust, and burns from hot tar and other roofing materials.
3. Iron and Steel Workers
BLS Category: Structural iron and steel workers
Fatal injury rate: 29 per 100,000 workers
Total deaths (2018): 15
Salary: $53,650
Most common fatal accidents: Falls, slips, trips
Ironworkers are responsible for installing iron and steel on buildings, bridges, and roads. Their work often consists of climbing up on large structures, unloading iron and steel, and signaling to crane operators. They also use equipment to cut, bend, and weld iron and steel. Steel and iron are some of the primary reinforcing materials for large scale buildings.
Falls are the most common fatal occupational accident for structural iron and steel workers.
Iron and steel workers face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including falls from heights, electrocution, being struck by falling objects, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. They may also be at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders from performing repetitive motions or working in awkward positions.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death among iron and steel workers include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and being caught in or between equipment or machinery.
4. Truck Drivers
Truck drivers, along with driver or sales workers, are responsible for transporting goods across long distances, often across state lines or even across the country. They operate commercial trucks, which may include tractor-trailers, tankers, or flatbeds. Truck drivers must have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including limits on driving hours and weight restrictions.
Truck drivers face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including:
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, which can impair driving ability and increase the risk of accidents.
- Accidents: Truck drivers are at risk of accidents due to a range of factors, including poor road conditions, weather, and other drivers on the road.
- Repetitive motion injuries: The physical demands of driving for long periods can lead to repetitive motion injuries, such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Drivers of tanker trucks or other vehicles carrying hazardous materials are at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals or gases.
- Mental health issues: Isolation, long periods away from home, and high levels of stress can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Most Common Causes of Injury or Death:
- Accidents: Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for truck drivers.
- Overexertion: The physical demands of loading and unloading cargo, as well as the long hours spent driving, can lead to overexertion injuries.
- Repetitive motion injuries: As mentioned earlier, driving for long periods can lead to repetitive motion injuries such as back pain.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Drivers of tanker trucks or other vehicles carrying hazardous materials are at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals or gases.
- Assaults: Truck drivers may be at risk of assaults or robberies while on the job, particularly if they are carrying valuable cargo.
5. Garbage/Waste Collectors
It may be hard to believe, but garbage or waste collectors have one of the most dangerous jobs. They are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. They typically operate garbage trucks or other specialized vehicles to pick up and transport waste to designated disposal sites.
Garbage/waste collectors face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including exposure to hazardous materials, being struck by passing vehicles, lifting and carrying heavy loads, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death among garbage/waste collectors include being struck by vehicles, falls from trucks or other equipment, and musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting.
5 Safety tips for Garbage/Waste Collectors:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, boots, and reflective vests, to protect yourself from hazardous materials and other hazards.
- Follow all safety procedures and protocols established by your employer, including proper use and maintenance of garbage trucks and other equipment.
- Keep your work area clean and free of clutter to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when working in residential or high-traffic areas.
- Practice safe lifting techniques and use mechanical aids, such as dollies and lift gates, to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting.
6. Construction helpers
Construction workers provide physical labor for construction tasks at building sites. These workers are responsible for tasks such as unloading building materials, building scaffolding, digging trenches, and operating other construction machinery. They may also spend time cleaning construction sites either in preparation for or after the completion of construction. The most common cause of death for construction workers is falls.
BLS Category: Helpers, construction trades
Fatal injury rate: 18 per 100,000 workers
Total deaths (2018): 11
Salary: $31,830
Most common fatal accidents: Falls, slips, trips
Construction helpers are construction workers who assist trade workers in the course of construction. These workers can include building equipment contractors, building finishing contractors, foundation and exterior contractors, and others. The most common cause of death for these workers are falls and trips on construction sites.
Construction workers face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including falls, electrocution, and being struck by falling objects.
Most Common Causes of Injury or death:
- Falls: Falls from heights, such as from scaffolding or ladders, are a leading cause of injury and death for construction workers.
- Electrocution: Exposure to live electrical wires or power lines can result in electrocution.
- Struck-by accidents: Workers may be hit by falling objects or struck by vehicles or heavy equipment on the construction site.
- Caught-in or between accidents: Workers may become caught in machinery or between objects, such as in a trench collapse.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or silica dust can lead to respiratory problems or other health issues.
7. Miners
It is no surprise that miners have one of the most dangerous jobs; they work in underground or surface mines, extracting minerals such as coal, metals, and other resources. The job may involve operating heavy machinery, drilling, blasting, and transporting materials to the surface.
Miners face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including:
- Respiratory hazards: Miners may be exposed to harmful dusts, gases, and fumes, which can lead to respiratory problems.
- Falls: Working at heights or on uneven terrain can pose a risk of falls.
- Entanglement hazards: Workers may become entangled in machinery or other equipment.
- Explosions and fires: Explosives and flammable materials are used in mining operations, which can lead to explosions and fires.
- Noise exposure: Mining equipment can generate high levels of noise, which can lead to hearing loss.
8. Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Farmers and agricultural workers face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, animal attacks, machinery accidents, and working in extreme weather conditions. They may also be at risk of developing respiratory and skin diseases from prolonged exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death among farmers and agricultural workers include tractor overturns, falls from heights, being struck by farm machinery, and being attacked by livestock.
BLS Category: Miscellaneous agricultural workers
Fatal injury rate: 20 per 100,000 workers
Total deaths (2018): 157
Salary: $25,840
Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
Agricultural workers are responsible for tending crops and livestock. They may be tasked with planting, harvesting, and watering crops, along with maintaining irrigation systems and ditches. These workers can also use farm tools or equipment, as well as apply pesticides and fertilizers. For agricultural workers who work with livestock, they may be responsible for feeding animals and keeping animal living areas clean. Transportation incidents are the most common fatal accidents for agricultural workers, which can occur while these workers are moving between or to and from worksites
9. Garbage/Waste Collectors
Also known as garbage collectors, refuse and recyclable material collectors collect our trash and recycling. Generally, these workers will drive a truck through neighborhoods and empty garbage bins and dumpsters into the trucks. Many bins are loaded by hand while some trucks have mechanical lifters. They then drive the trucks to a landfill or waste transfer station where the waste is unloaded from the truck.
It may be hard to believe, but garbage or waste collectors have one of the most dangerous jobs. They are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. They typically operate garbage trucks or other specialized vehicles to pick up and transport waste to designated disposal sites.
Garbage/waste collectors face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including exposure to hazardous materials, being struck by passing vehicles, lifting and carrying heavy loads, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death among garbage/waste collectors include being struck by vehicles, falls from trucks or other equipment, and musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting.
10. Fishing Workers
Fishing workers are responsible for harvesting fish and other marine life from the ocean or freshwater bodies. They work in a variety of settings, including commercial fishing vessels, fish farms, and processing plants.
Fishing workers face a range of hazards and risks on the job, including drowning, falls overboard, entanglement in fishing gear, exposure to hazardous weather conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions.
Most common causes of injury or death: The most common causes of injury and death among fishing workers include drowning, being struck by fishing gear or equipment, and falls overboard.
Wrapping Up...
Information on the most common fatal accidents was drawn from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, and salary data came from the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey.
In conclusion, while the jobs on this list are among the most dangerous, appropriate steps can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities. It is important that employers prioritize safety and take the right measures to protect their workers.