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What are the 3 most dangerous professions in the U.S.?

On Behalf of | Nov 17, 2020 | Workers' Compensation |

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2018 shows that 5,250 workers died that year. At least 2,000 of those died in transportation accidents. Another 786 of them lost their lives in incidents involving contact with equipment or objects, a factor that resulted in this becoming the second leading cause of death. Some fields are more dangerous to work in than others.

3 of the deadliest careers

BLS data shows that the deadliest profession is logging. At least 53,600 Americans work in this field. The average worker earns $40,650 per year. The fatality rate in this industry is 97.6 per 100,000 full-time workers. Most workers who die from an accident on the job do so after suffering contact injuries.

The industry with the second-highest number of worker deaths is fishing. BLS data shows that the U.S. employs approximately 520 fishers with an average annual income of $28,310. BLS statistics reflect that the fatality rate for fishers is 77.4 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers. There were 30 total deaths in 2018. Most died in transportation accidents.

BLS data shows that the aviation industry saw the third-highest number of U.S. worker fatalities in 2018. The federal agency’s statistics reflect that 84,070 Americans work in this industry. Their average annual income is $137,330. That same data shows that the industry fatality rate is 58.9 per 100,000. Approximately 70 workers died in 2018, most in transportation accidents.

Other deadly careers

Some of the other professions that made it on the top 10 list of the deadliest careers included roofers, recycling and refuse collectors, truck and commercial drivers, ranchers and farmers, steel or ironworkers, builders and landscapers.

What you can do if a loved one died on the job

While some employers offer their workers additional compensation to account for the dangers they face when working in specific roles, others don’t. It can be challenging to make ends meet if your loved one suffers debilitating injuries or passes away in a workplace accident. An attorney here in San Diego can advocate for you and your family as you seek to recover damages when your loved one’s California employer’s negligence resulted in their untimely death.

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