The Most Hazardous Professions in the United States
Certain occupations carry inherent risks due to factors such as perilous work environments, exposure to harmful substances, and the physical nature of the work. Regrettably, workplace injuries can sometimes lead to fatal outcomes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries in 2022.
The year 2022 saw a 5.7% increase in fatal work injuries compared to the 5,190 recorded in 2021. This implies that a worker lost their life every 96 minutes due to a work-related injury that year.
This article, based on a graphic by Visual Capitalist's Kayla Zhu, illustrates the six occupations in the U.S. with the highest rates of fatal work injuries per 100,000 full-time workers, along with the number of fatal work injuries in 2022. The data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and updated as of December 2023.
The Most Perilous Occupations in the United States
Some of the most hazardous jobs in the U.S. involve substantial physical labor and working in dangerous environments. These include loggers, roofers, and workers in the fishing and hunting industries.
Many of these jobs are often carried out in remote areas, such as logging and fishing locations, where access to emergency medical services is limited.
Despite logging workers having the highest rate of fatal work injuries, over 1,000 truck drivers lost their lives due to work injuries in 2022. This is the highest number of fatalities in any occupation.
Factors contributing to the dangerous nature of truck driving include operating large vehicles for extended periods, often in remote and unfamiliar areas.
Transportation incidents remained the most common type of fatal event, accounting for 38% of all occupational fatalities. In 2022, there were 2,066 fatal injuries from transportation incidents, a 4.2% increase from 1,982 in 2021.
Bottom Line
Workplace safety is a critical concern, especially in occupations with high fatality rates. The statistics are a sobering reminder of the risks that some workers face every day. It's a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize safety measures and reduce these numbers. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share this article with your friends and engage in a conversation about workplace safety. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.