What jobs are the most dangerous in the US?

Workplace accidents can be very traumatic for workers and their families. Accidents can cause fatalities and serious injuries that can change the rest of a worker’s life. Workers face different hazards and safety issues in the workplace but certain workers face more hazards on-the-job.

Which jobs are considered to be the most dangerous in the United States? A new report lists the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the country and is based on the 2012 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

It is not surprising that certain professions made the list of most dangerous jobs last year, but there are a few positions that may surprise even those working in these fields. Below is the list of top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. based on the number of fatal accidents:

1. Logging: there were 127.8 fatalities per 100,000 workers last year. The most common hazards include falling trees and equipment accidents.
2. Fishing: there were 117 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2012. The hazards include drowning, working with heavy equipment and sea disturbances.
3. Piloting and flight engineering: there were 53.4 deaths per 100,000 workers last year. Hazards include take off and landing accidents, air disturbances and working in high altitudes.
4. Roofing: there were 40.5 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2012. Hazards include heat stroke and falls.
5. Iron and steel work: there were 37 fatalities per 100,000 workers last year. Hazards include falls, welding accidents and working with heavy materials.
6. Garbage and recycling collection: there were 27.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2012. Hazards include working with heavy equipment, traffic accidents and working with hazardous materials.
7. Power line installation and repairs: there were 23 deaths per 100,000 workers last year. Hazards include falls and electrocution.
8. Driving/sales: there were 22.1 deaths per 100,000 workers last year. Hazards include traffic accidents and exhaustion.
9. Farming: there were 21.3 deaths per 100,000 workers last year. Hazards include working with heavy equipment and large animals.
10. Construction: there were 17.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2012. Hazards include falls and working with dangerous equipment and power tools.

If you work in one of these professions, it is important to be aware of the hazards you face and know what steps to take to prevent an accident. If an accident does occur, you can file a workers’ compensation claim as well as take legal action against your employer if safety regulations were ignored.

Source: The Post, “Are You In One Of The Nation’s Most Dangerous Jobs?” Jan. 21, 2014