The 10 Most Dangerous Occupations (And How to Make Them Safer)

For any job that has specific hazards and associated risks, it’s crucial to establish workplace safety guidelines. If your industry employs any of these roles, what are you doing to ensure the safety of your workers while on the job?

Read on for an overview of what is required to offset risks in these occupations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, the following are currently the 10 most dangerous occupations:

Logger

This job involves a lot of tools, sharp machinery, and heavy logs; most accidents are from operating that equipment. Loggers work long hours in remote forest areas with unpredictable weather. Having experience, training, and daily tool maintenance can help to mitigate these accidents. 

Aircraft Pilot / Flight Engineer

 
Pilots fly a variety of air crafts such as airplanes and helicopters.  Fatal accidents are seen more in the private sector than in the commercial flights industry.  Pilots and flight engineers work under a lot of pressure trying to transport people and cargo safely. The Federal Aviation Administration constantly works to improve aviation and prevent accidents. They come up with new technology, testing standards, training, and improve aircraft designs to reduce workplace risks.

Derrick Operator 

The IIOSH explains that derrick operators are exposed to sharp tools, falls from heights, heavy machinery and harsh weather. They maintain, operate, and inspect the drills used in the oil and gas extraction industry. Following OSHA 1910.181, it’s important to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment, perform regular maintenance, and allow the established clearance between operators and drills.

Roofer

Elevation is the main concern while working on roofs. Nearly all of the fatal accidents involved in roofing are due to falls. The National Roofing Contractors Association helps by suggesting new designs to prevent falls, control silica dust exposure and how to work with unfavorable weather.

Garbage Collector

 
Picking up trash encounters hazards such as being exposed to dangerous chemicals, broken glass, needles, and other toxins. Yet most of the fatal accidents for garbage collectors involve the vehicle. Training and proper PPE can help to reduce the likelihood of these accidents.

Iron Worker

Iron workers are present on most construction sites, from buildings, bridges, roads, and train tracks. Serious injuries are due to height and falls. The American Institute of Steel Construction with the Association of Ironworkers work on safety practices to help the industry workers take precautions and have adequate training.

Delivery Driver

This has become one of the most important occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have helped millions of us get our food and medicines when we were in lockdown. The job´s main risk is traffic accidents. They are usually rushed to deliver on time, have long hours and work in all kinds of weather. Using the right PPE, staying focused on the road, and training on traffic rules and etiquette can help to reduce their risks. 

Farmer

Farmers manage crops and animals using heavy machinery.  Most of the fatal accidents are due to improper use and lack of maintenance for those machines. NIOSH has developed a safety and health program to address all the injuries in the agriculture business and help farmers with their everyday tasks.

Firefighting Supervisor

These heroes in the task force encounter dangers from traffic accidents, explosions due to fires and smoke inhalation. NIOSH explains that the US depends on about 1.1 million firefighters to protect its citizens and properties. Ongoing training is the best way to prepare them to prevent fatalities.

Electric Power Line Installer

Power line workers’ main risks are electrocution, strangulation, and falls. They have to work during national disasters and assist during accidents in moving power lines to prevent further damage. To reduce their risks, they must be trained to use the right tools, use the correct PPE, and work in teams. 

For Dangerous Occupations, Work-Fit Has A Program For You

No matter what type of occupation or business you are in, hiring specialists with experience in workplace injury management is the most efficient way to reduce costs from worker injuries while also improving the productivity levels and longevity of your workforce.

At Work-Fit, we believe that workers need to care for their bodies like athletes do, to keep themselves injury-free. Our trainers are available for your team both onsite and virtually to create a culture of safety awareness, injury prevention and workplace wellness.

We offer the following programs to help reduce the frequency and gravity of workplace injury: 

• Integrated Injury Prevention: In this program, we put our professionals onsite, full-time with you to provide comprehensive programming from warm-ups, biomechanics coaching, and education. We’ll fully integrate with your onboarding, training, and operational practices to provide the most holistic, personalized service. 
• Virtual Services: the virtual version of our services ensures your employees’ access to on-demand injury prevention, ergonomic assessment, and injury triage services from on-site kiosks throughout your work areas, on their personal or work devices via mobile apps, or over a hotline. 
• Ergonomics Program: This Work-Fit program can help your company generate savings on worker’s compensation by identifying the root cause of recurring musculoskeletal disorders that keep valuable workers away from the job.
• Wellness Management: The wellness management program can also play a major role in helping to improve the wellbeing of your workers. We have a qualified team of exercise physiologists, health and fitness professionals, and athletic trainers who all provide ongoing wellness coaching. 
• Injury Management:  Lastly, our injury management program meets your needs on two levels: Our athletic trainers specialize in OSHA  First Aid services, helping you reduce recordable injuries. For employees requiring advanced care, Work-Fit can also provide full onsite rehabilitation services. Both opportunities integrate with our work floor services, to help your people stay at work and also return to work more quickly and safely.
  
  

Contact Work-Fit today to see how our injury-prevention specialists can help you develop a customized workplace injury prevention program!