Almost everyone sometimes complains about their job. But if you’re a logger, miner, or truck driver, you probably have bigger worries than most.
It is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest annual report on fatal work-related injuries, which reflects data from 2021.
In total, there were 5,190 work-related deaths recorded in the United States that year — and that was the highest annual number since 2016.
Transport incidents accounted for 1,982 of these work-related deaths. This is by far the most common type, comprising 38.2% of all work-related deaths.
Other causes of work-related death include falls, slips and trips; violence and other injuries by humans or animals; contact with objects and equipment, such as being hit by a falling object; and exposure to hazardous substances or the environment.
The following are the most risky occupations based on the degree of fatal injury.
10. Electrical line installation and repair
Fatal injury rate for this job: 22 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 30
9. Construction trade assistant
Fatal injury rate for this job: 22.9 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 15
8. Underground mining machine operator
Fatal injury rate for this job: 26.7 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 10
7. Garbage and recyclable materials collectors
Fatal injury rate for this job: 27.9 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 23
6. Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers
Fatal injury rate for this job: 28.8 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 1,032
5. Iron and steel construction workers
Fatal injury rate for this job: 36.1 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 14
4. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Fatal injury rate for this job: 48.1 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 68
3. Roof
Fatal injury rate for this job: 59 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 115
2. Fishing and hunting workers
Fatal injury rate for this job: 75.2 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 23
1. Logging workers
Fatal injury rate for this job: 82.2 deaths per 100,000 equivalent permanent workers
Fatal injury rates across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 equivalent full-time workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this job: 43
