Work-Related Injuries, Deaths Decline; A Look at the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

Workplace injuries have been on the decline in recent years and hit an all-time low in 2012, according to recent information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Safety Council (NSC); 2012 is the most recent year for which full data is available.

While 2012 also saw the second-lowest number of work-related fatalities on record, more than 4,300 people died from on-the-job injuries. Nearly 3 million workplace injuries overall were recorded in 2012.

Based on figures from the BLS, the 10 most dangerous occupations in 2012 were:

• Loggers
• Fishers and fishing workers
• Pilots and flight engineers
• Roofers
• Structural iron and steel workers
• Trash and recycling collectors
• Power line workers
• Truck drivers
• Farmers and ranchers
• Construction workers

Employees have the right to safe work environments, and they may seek benefits through Workers’ Compensation if injured on the job. Depending on the circumstances and extent of an injury, Workers’ Comp can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and vocational retraining.

Maritime workers who are injured on the job may pursue benefits through the Jones Act. The Jones Act extends protection to those who spend at least 30 percent of their time in active service on a “water vessel;” this includes barges, riverboat casinos, crew boats, tug boats and numerous other watercraft.