Every job has its challenges and dangers, but certain professions carry significantly higher risks of injury or death. By understanding these dangers, you can appreciate not only the bravery of those in the field but also potential hazards if you’re interested in pursuing one of these careers. Here are 14 of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
1. Logging Workers
Logging is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in America. These workers have to operate heavy, moving machinery in unpredictable environments, often leading to fatal accidents.
2. Fishers
It may seem like fishers sit on a boat in the water working on their tans. However, commercial fishing involves hazardous conditions, severe weather, and the risk of falling overboard without rescue.
3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Air travel is often regarded as a safe way to get from one destination to the other, but it comes with risks. Crop dusters, test pilots, and bush pilots often face dangerous flying conditions, including bad weather and mechanical failures.
4. Roofers
The risk of high falls makes roofing an extremely dangerous job. In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 6,000 roofing injuries each year. Roofers work at steep heights and often in extreme weather conditions, so when it snows or rains, it makes it tough to keep their footing.
5. Recyclable Material Collectors
Some dangerous jobs are deceivingly perilous. For instance, those who collect waste or recyclables often face dangers people don’t always consider. The risks come from heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and road accidents.
6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Installing and repairing steel and iron on high structures poses a significant fall risk, making this one of the riskier construction-related jobs. Workers in this field often need to take safety courses and wear heavy-duty equipment to eliminate risks on the job.
7. Truck Drivers
Long hours on the road increase the risk of traffic accidents for truck drivers. Additionally, they are often required to load and unload heavy items, which could cause issues like muscle tears, sprains, or back problems.
8. Farmers and Ranchers
Rural living isn’t as laidback as it seems. Farming involves operating large machinery, handling unpredictable animals, and being constantly exposed to toxic chemicals.
9. First-line Supervisors of Construction Trades
Construction is a dangerous job across the board, but there are significantly more risks for those who are first-line supervisors. These professionals face many dangers not limited to falls, machine accidents, and structural collapses.
10. Grounds Maintenance Workers
Are you a fan of gardening? The seeds you plant aren’t usually dangerous. Those who work outside as groundskeepers, on the other hand, face a myriad of risks every day. These workers may need to use tree trimmers at all heights and work with power tools. There is a high risk of accidents on the job.
11. Electricians and Repairers
Trade positions are often tough and laborious. Sometimes they are even dangerous. For instance, electricians and repair personnel need to work with high-voltage electricity at significant heights. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 70 fatal work injuries for electricians in 2020.
12. Miners
Whether underground or in open pits, miners are exposed to cave-ins, blasts, and exposure to harmful dust and chemicals. In addition, repeatedly climbing in and out of tight areas causes a strain on their bodies over time.
13. Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
Law enforcement officers face daily risks. It’s tough to know when you’ll have to deal with a mass shooting, aggressive thieves, or some kind of other violent encounter. Police officers also find themselves in high-speed chases and many other dangerous situations.
14. Firefighters
It’s no surprise that fires are dangerous. Not only do firefighters face the risk of second and third-degree burns, but they also may have issues breathing due to smoke inhalation. There is also the potential for falling debris or structural collapses.
Facing Danger
From circus performers to marine biologists, many other dangerous jobs exist in the world that aren’t on this list. However, the professions featured above are fairly common, blue-collar positions in the United States. Appreciate all the hard work and bravery that goes into these professions!
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.