What Jobs Put Workers at the Most Risk for Wrongful Death?

July 31, 2022 Posted In Wrongful Death

Some jobs carry higher risks than others. The jobs in America that put workers at the most risk for wrongful death are as follows.

most dangerous occupations

Logging

Working in the logging industry is very dangerous and remains that way because there is always a risk of being hit by a falling object. Whether it is the trees the workers are harvesting or the heavy cutting equipment they must use. Despite best intentions, many accidents occur and are fatal. The rate of deadly accidents in the logging industry is actually 28 times higher than the all-worker rate of 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.

Fatality rate: 97.6 per 100,000 workers
Total fatal injuries: 74
Most common fatal accidents: Contact with objects and equipment
Total non-fatal injuries: 1,040

Commercial Fishing

Professional fishers, especially deep-sea fishers, are prone to fatal accidents. They often work long shifts that extend through the night and involve heavy gear, hard physical labor, and in some cases, freezing temperatures. Many fatal accidents occur due to being struck by heavy equipment or falls from boats and drowning.

Fatality rate: 77.4 per 100,000 workers
Total fatal injuries: 30
Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents

Pilots

Pilots and flight engineers must navigate and fly airplanes that either carry people or cargo. Although flying is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation, accidents are often fatal. Most fatal accidents occur due to weather, flying over rugged terrain, or issues with takeoffs and landings. Many of which happen in the private sector.

Fatality rate: 58.9 per 100,000 workers
Total fatal injuries: 70
Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
Total non-fatal injuries: 490

Roofing

Most of a roofer’s day consists of working from heights while repairing or installing roofs. Therefore, there is a high risk of falling. In addition, the challenging physical nature of the work can result in carelessness or safety lapses after hours of working at steep angles or in harsh weather. Any accident can be deadly.

Fatality rate: 51.5 per 100,000 workers
Total fatal injuries: 96
Most common fatal accidents: falls, slips, and trips
Total non-fatal injuries: 2,060

Garbage and Recycling

Garbage and recycling collectors experience an increased risk of transportation-related accidents. They are also often exposed to hazardous materials, and the heavy equipment they must use can malfunction and lead to unsafe situations. In addition, collectors must work year-round regardless of weather conditions.

Fatality rate: 44.3 per 100,000 workers
Total fatal injuries: 37
Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
Total non-fatal injuries: 1,490

Although these jobs are inherently dangerous, employers still have an ethical and legal obligation to create or provide a safe work environment. When a wrongful death occurs, surviving family members may file for workers’ compensation death benefits and burial expenses. However, in some cases, a third party may also be liable. In these situations, the surviving family can also bring a third-party claim for additional damages. If you have any legal questions, contact our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers.