Top 5 Most Dangerous Jobs

Find Out About the Deadliest Occupations in America

It's no surprise that some jobs are simply more dangerous than others. Heavy machinery and inclement weather, among many other hazards, plague the workplaces of many dangerous jobs.

The "office" for some men and women place them in harm's way every day. So we've decided to compile a list of the most dangerous occupations in America – and the results may surprise you.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

To preface the following statistics, the national average of fatalities in any given occupation generally stays at about 4 deaths per 100,000 employees.

1. Logging Workers

Loggers find themselves at the top of the list with regards to their dangerous workplace. Between heavy hauling machinery, whirling blades, falling trees, logging workers are at an extremely high risk of injury and death.

According to the Department of Labor and Statistics, loggers suffer nearly 128 fatalities per 100,000 employees – a staggeringly high rate.

2. Commercial Fishing

These sea-faring employees come in second for the most dangerous occupation in America. Battling against raging storms, heavy equipment, slippery ship decks, and much more, these fishermen find themselves facing hazardous situations at every turn.

The rate of fatalities recorded for the fishing industry was 117 deaths per 100,000 workers. Despite deaths dropping by nearly 50% since 2009, commercial fishermen still suffer from shockingly high mortality rates.

3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

The mastery and operation of any aircraft requires immense training and a willingness to embrace dangerous situations.

As the third most dangerous occupation in America, propeller-driven planes are most often responsible for the death of pilots. This suggests that these aren't your regular airline pilots, but rather crop-dusters and independent operators.

According to the statistics, pilots and flight engineers suffer nearly 57 fatalities per 100,000 workers.

4. Roofers

Workers responsible for building or fixing rooftops on homes and offices find themselves in a dangerous business. Between risks of falling, heat stroke, equipment failure, and other occupational hazards, these canopy constructors work in the fourth most dangerous job in America.

There are nearly 41 deaths per every 100,000 roofing workers. While this is only 1/3 of the fatalities related to the most dangerous job, it's certainly nothing to shake a shingle at.

5. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

These steel and iron-working acrobats must deal with extreme heights, dangerous equipment, welding accidents, and more. Their occupation, which formerly held the number one spot for most dangerous job in America, has slowly become safer as time went on.

However, structural iron and steel workers still suffer nearly 37 fatalities for every 100,000 workers. Despite advanced regulations, technology, and safeguards, there is still a haltingly high rate of mortality in this particular field.

Your Job Doesn't Have to Be "Dangerous" to Still Cause Injury

While these 5 occupations may be the most dangerous in America, accidents and injuries can happen in just about any setting. If you've been injured at work, make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We're always here if you need legal help.