Every year, the Bureau of Labour Statistics releases a report on the deadliest jobs in America. The report looks at which professions have the highest fatality rates and injuries and ranks them accordingly.
This year’s The rate of fatal work injuries reports is set to be released in early 2020, and it is already generating a lot of buzz. According to preliminary data, the deadliest job in America for 2020 is likely to be commercial fishing. This profession has a fatality rate of nearly 25 deaths per 100,000 workers.
workplace deaths. Other dangerous jobs include logging (22 deaths per 100,000 workers) and aviation (10 deaths per 100,000 workers). These professions are all expected to rank in the top five this year. So why are these jobs so dangerous? The main reason is that they involve a lot of hazardous tasks.
Here Are The Deadliest Jobs 2020
10. Landscaping workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, landscaping is the deadliest job in America. In 2020, it was projected that there would be 112 fatalities in the industry. This is largely due to heavy machinery and equipment and working with hazardous materials. However, proper safety training and precautions can prevent many of these deaths.
- Fatality Rate: 20.2
- Number of fatalities: 142
- Total non-fatal injuries: 5,390
- Median annual wage: $65,230
- Number of workers: 598,210
9. Construction trade supervisors
Construction trade supervisors have been identified as one of the deadliest jobs in 2020. The job requires working with heavy equipment and machinery, often in dangerous conditions. Workers can be injured or killed by malfunctioning equipment, slips and falls, or exposure to hazardous materials.
Construction trade supervisors are in high demand despite the risks due to the growing economy and lack of skilled workers. As a result, many companies offer training and tuition reimbursement to attract qualified candidates. However, those interested in pursuing a career as construction supervisors should be aware of the risks involved and take precautions to stay safe on the job.
- Fatality Rate: 21
- Number of fatalities: 144
- Total non-fatal injuries: 5,390
- Median annual wage: $65,230
- Number of workers: 598,210
8. Structural Iron and Steelworkers
Structural iron and steelworkers are among the most dangerous jobs in America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers have a fatality rate of more than 20 per 100,000 workers. Many of these fatalities result from falls or being struck by objects.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created several safety standards to help protect these workers, but much work is still done. In 2020, OSHA planned to roll out a new safety initiative specifically for structural iron and steelworkers. This initiative will include training and compliance assistance for employers and safety inspections.
OSHA is also working with unions and industry groups to develop best practices for safe work operations. These initiatives should help reduce the number of fatalities in this industry.
-
- Fatality Rate: 23.6
- Number of fatalities: 15
- Total non-fatal injuries: 800
- Median annual wage: $52,770
- Number of workers: 98,600
7. Farmers, Ranchers, Other Agricultural Managers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a report in March 2020 that ranked the deadliest jobs in America for the year 2020. The report stated that farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are the most likely to die on the job. According to the BLS, these workers have a fatality rate of 24.6 per 100,000 workers.
This is more than twice the national average of 10.8 fatalities per 100,000 workers. In addition, farmworkers are at risk of fatal injuries from machinery, animals, and chemical exposures. They also face long hours and difficult working conditions.
- Fatality Rate: 24.7
- Number of fatalities: 257
- Total non-fatal injuries: 280
- Median annual wage: $24,620
- Number of workers: 876,300
6. Driver/sales workers and truckers
Driver sales workers and truckers hold the title of the deadliest jobs in America for 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that driver sales workers and truckers have a fatality rate of 27.7 per 100,000 workers. This is more than nine times the national average.
While many factors contribute to these high numbers, including extended hours on the road and exposure to dangerous weather conditions, one of the biggest dangers these workers face is being in a collision. Nearly 60% of fatalities among driver sales workers and truckers are from collisions with other vehicles or objects.
There are steps that both employers and employees can take to help reduce the risk of injury or death while on the job. Employers should provide safety training and ensure that workers follow safe driving practices.
- Fatality Rate: 26
- Number of fatalities: 966
- Total non-fatal injuries: 78,520
- Median annual wage: $24,700
- Number of workers: 414,860
5. Refuse and recyclable material collectors
Refuse, and recyclable material collectors are among the deadliest jobs in 2020. The job entails handling hazardous materials and long hours exposed to the elements. As a result, workers can often suffer from respiratory problems, skin irritations, and other long-term health issues.
- Fatality Rate: 44.3
- Number of fatalities: 37
- Total non-fatal injuries: 1,490
- Median annual wage: $36,190
- Number of workers: 115,130
4. Roofers
There are many dangerous professions in the United States, but none more than roofers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018, there were nine fatalities among roofers. That is the highest number of any profession.
The main dangers for roofers are falls and electrocutions. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for nearly 40% fatalities. Electrocutions are a common cause of death, particularly in older buildings where the wiring is not up to code.
Other dangers for roofers include being struck by objects, such as tools or debris, and caught between objects. Roofers often work at high altitudes, sometimes hundreds of feet off the ground. They also work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
- Fatality Rate: 51.5
- Number of fatalities: 96
- Total non-fatal injuries: 2,060
- Median annual wage: $39,970
- Number of workers: 160,600
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Forbes has identified aircraft pilots and flight engineers as the two deadliest jobs in 2020. These professionals are at risk for both fatal accidents and fatalities from diseases.
Pilots and flight engineers often work long hours in challenging conditions and face many safety risks. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. As a result, these occupations rank first and second among the deadliest jobs for 2020.
Pilots and flight engineers face risks that can be reduced by following safety procedures and getting regular check-ups. It is also essential to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally to stay alert while working. By being aware of the dangers involved in these professions, we can help keep these workers safe.
Fatality Rate: 58.9
Number of fatalities: 70
Total non-fatal injuries: 490
Median annual wage: $137,330
Number of workers: 84,070
2. Fishers and related fishing workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fishers and related fishing workers are among the deadliest jobs in 2020. These workers experience a fatality rate of approximately 116 per 100,000 workers. The most common causes of death include slips, trips, falls; transportation incidents; and contact with objects and equipment. However, many of these fatalities could be prevented by proper safety precautions.
When working, anglers should always wear personal protective equipment such as a hard hat, safety glasses, boots, and gloves. They should also be aware of potential hazards in their work environment and take steps to avoid them.
- Fatality Rate: 77.4
- Number of fatalities: 30
- Total non-fatal injuries: N/A
- Median annual wage: $28,310
- Number of workers: 520
1. Loggers
Loggers were the deadliest profession in 2020. They face many dangers on the job, including dangerous equipment, falling trees, and environmental hazards. As a result, injuries and fatalities are common among loggers, and the risk of death is high.
Loggers continue to do this dangerous work despite the dangers because they love it. They are a tight-knit community, and they take pride in their work. Logging is a difficult job, but it is also rewarding.
- Fatality Rate: 97.6
- Number of fatalities: 74
- Total non-fatal injuries: 1,040
- Median annual wage: $40,650
- Number of workers: 53,600
Source: | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics