The future is never certain. Every day, Americans who work in jobs they believe to be completely safe are hurt or killed while performing their duties. However, it is far more likely that individuals working in certain industries will be hurt on the job than will employees who regularly engage in desk work, teach and entertain for a living.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries confirms that some workers are far more at risk of dying on the job than others are. In New York City, too many construction accidents lead to preventable worker deaths. Though interestingly, construction work is only the 10th most deadly occupation a worker can choose to engage in.
In 2012, more than 4,380 American workers perished as a result of work-related injuries and occupational illnesses. Traditionally hazardous industries like logging and commercial fishing continue to top the list of most deadly occupations. Roofers, pilots, flight engineers, iron workers, steel workers and electrical workers are also among the most at risk for work-related death.
In addition, some occupations one might not expect round out the top ten. In addition to construction laborers, refuse collectors, sales workers, truck drivers and agricultural workers are also at significant risk when they show up for work each day. Advances in workplace safety have recently been made for a number of these industries. However, these efforts are clearly insufficient to keep Americans as safe as they can possibly and reasonably be. As 2013 progresses, it is imperative that safety experts and regulators do more to prevent work-related deaths.
Source: Forbes, "America's 10 Deadliest Jobs," Jacquelyn Smith, Aug. 22, 2013