Almost everyone complains about their job on occasion. But if you’re a logger, miner or truck driver, you might have greater concerns than most.
These are among the most dangerous jobs in America, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest annual report on fatal occupational 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.
Transportation incidents accounted for 1,982 of those work-related deaths. These were, by far, the most frequent type, comprising 38.2% of all work-related deaths.
Other causes for work-related deaths include falls, slips and trips; violence and other injuries by a person or animal; contact with objects and equipment, such as being struck by a falling object; and exposure to harmful substances or environments.
Following are the jobs that are most risky based on their fatal-injury rates.
10. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 22 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 30
9. Construction trades helpers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 22.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 15
8. Underground mining machine operators
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 26.7 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 10
7. Refuse and recyclable material collectors
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 27.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 23
6. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 28.8 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 1,032
5. Structural iron and steel workers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 36.1 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 14
4. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 48.1 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 68
3. Roofers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 59 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 115
2. Fishing and hunting workers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 75.2 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 23
1. Logging workers
Fatal injury rate for this occupation: 82.2 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Fatal injury rate across all occupations: 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers
Total number of fatal injuries for this occupation: 43
