Trucking Makes List of 2012’s Deadliest Jobs
On Thursday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual list of the nation’s deadliest jobs.
According to the report, in 2012, 4,383 fatal work accidents were recorded, down from 4,693 in 2011. The rate of fatal workplace accidents equates to 3.2 deaths per every 100,000 full-time employees.
The report sates that transportation-related accidents account for more than 2 out of every 5 fatal work injuries!
“Of the 1,789 transportation-related fatal injuries, about 58 percent (1,044 cases) were roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles. Nonroadway incidents, such as a tractor overturn in a farm field, accounted for another 13 percent of the transportation-related fatal injuries. About 16 percent of fatal transportation incidents in 2012 involved pedestrians who were struck by vehicles. Of the 283 fatal work injuries involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, 65 occurred in work zones. (Note that transportation counts presented in this release are expected to rise when updated 2012 data are released in Spring 2014 because key source documentation detailing specifictransportation-related incidents has not yet been received.),” the report states.
The list of the top 10 deadliest jobs looks somewhat skewed. For example: logging comes in as the most dangerous job with 62 deaths and farming comes in at #9 with 216 fatalities, but the statistics are averaged by the number of those working full-time in the industry.
The following is a list of the nation’s deadliest jobs per 100,000:
#10 Construction
Two hundred ten fatalities were reported within the construction industry in 2012. The dangers of the job include heights, machinery and extreme weather.
Total number of fatalities: 210
Per 100,000: 17.4
#9 Farming/Ranchers/Agricultural Workers
In 2012, there were 210 reported deaths in the farming, ranching and agricultural industry. The dangers include extreme weather and heavy machinery.
Total number of deaths: 216
Per 100,000: 21.3
#8 Trucking
The highest total number of fatalities comes from the trucking industry. The dangers include heavy machinery, traffic and prolonged work hours.
Total number of fatalities: 741
Per 100,000: 22
#7 Linemen/Electric and Utility Workers
The dangers of this profession listed as electrocution and heights.
Total number of fatalities: 23
Per 100,000: 26
#6 Trash/Recycling Collectors
The dangers include working with hazardous materials, traffic and heavy machinery.
Total number of fatalities: 26
Per 100,000: 27.1
#5 Steel and Iron Workers
The dangers include heights, extreme weather and welding materials.
Total number of fatalities: 22
Per 100,000: 37
#4 Roofers
Dangers include heights and extreme weather.
Total number of fatalities: 70
Per 100,000: 40.5
#3 Pilots and Flight Crews
Dangers include crashes and equipment repair.
Total number of fatalities: 71
Per 100,000: 53.4
#2 Fishing
It’s no secret that commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs. Extreme weather if often the most dangerous hazard.
Total number of fatalities: 32
Per 100,000: 117
#1 Logging
Dangers include falling trees and machinery.
Total number of fatalities: 62
Per 100,000: 127.8