In 2016, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S.

That is a 7-percent increase over the 4,836 fatal injuries reported in 2015 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Jobs that involve transportation or the use of any heavy machinery have a higher incident rate. However, some of the most dangerous jobs in America may surprise you.  Here are the 8 most hazardous jobs in the U.S. as ranked by fatal injuries:

• Lumberjacks & Loggers. Dangers for this job include falling trees, falling debris, and loads of heavy machinery.
• Roofing Workers. Roofers are six times more at risk for a fatal on-the-job accident than the average worker.  Slipping and falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries for these workers.
• Waste Collector.  Those who collect garbage and other recyclable materials face a unique intersection of dangerous workplace hazards: transportation, heavy machinery, and traffic.
• Pilots.  The pilots of small and mid-sized aircraft especially face certain inherent dangers each time they take off.
• Farmers & Agricultural Workers:  Again we have an industry at a unique intersection of heavy machinery and transportation, which means farm workers are at a higher risk for fatal injuries. Other farm hazards include the proximity to pesticides, exposure to the heat, and falls from grain bins, ladders, barn roofs and other structures.
• Iron and steel workers. These jobs require installing heavy beams, often using cranes. These workers are especially prone to slip & fall accidents.
• Driver/sales workers and truck drivers.  Trucks drivers spend long hours on the road, and are subject to exhaustion and perilous road conditions. They are also frequently put at risk by the negligent or reckless action of other drivers.
• Electrical Workers.  The National Electrical Safety Code imposes detailed standards on power companies regarding power line clearances, tree trimming around power lines, and methods for de-energizing equipment prior to performing on it.  Sadly, power companies sometimes violate this duty to safety, which can lead to electrocutions and severe electric shock.

At Krol, Bongiorno, & Given Ltd., we understand that surviving an accident on the job leaves you with difficult questions.  With over 60 years of combined legal experience, the KBG law firm is a leader in the field of workers’ compensation law and we have earned the reputation as aggressive advocates for injured workers before the IWCC.  Contact us today for a consultation on your situation.