Top 5 Dangerous Occupations in the U.S. and Your Risk in Ohio

In the United States, an average of 13 people are killed every day in workplace accidents, adding up to thousands of deaths per year. Here in Ohio, we aren’t immune. In fact, according to the Ohio Department of Health, the number of workplace accidents in Ohio increased by over 20 percent in 2014 compared to the previous year.

It’s no surprise then that these accidents were highly concentrated in the most dangerous occupations in the U.S.— and in Ohio. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the top five most dangerous occupations in the U.S.

  1. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors — These workers collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into trucks. They are most at risk for crush injuries and equipment malfunction.

  2. Roofers — These workers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a wide variety of materials and techniques—some of which are toxic or incredibly hot. They are most at risk for falls, heat stroke, equipment failure, and burns.

  3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers — These workers pilot and navigate the flight of multiple types of aircraft, usually on scheduled routes, transporting passengers and cargo, dusting crops, and doing private contract work. They are most at risk for electrical shocks, crashes, and crush injuries. Many of these pilots that are killed operate propeller-driven planes, which are more susceptible to crashes if there is an equipment malfunction.

  4. Fishery Workers — These workers catch and trap marine life for human food, animal feed, bait, and other uses. They are most at risk for heavy equipment malfunction accidents, slips and falls, elemental damage, and exposure.

  5. Logging Workers — These workers harvest thousands of acres of forests for timber used to create consumer goods and industrial products. They are most at risk of lacerations due to spinning blades, exposure, crush injuries, and heavy machinery accidents.

All of these occupations pose serious risks to employees under the best circumstances, so it is no surprise that they can become dangerously deadly in Ohio when not complying properly with OSHA safety guidelines. Whether or not these accidents are caused by poor compliance or simply bad luck, injured workers are protected under workers’ compensation laws and owed monetary damages for what they have suffered.

If you were injured at work—dangerous occupation or not—the Ohio workers’ compensation lawyers at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA may be able to help. Call our offices today at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation on your case to find out how.