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Top 5 Dangerous Trades in America

The Five Most Dangerous Trades in America

When we think about jobs, we often imagine desks, computers, and air-conditioned offices. But out in the field, some people are putting their lives on the line every single day. These blue-collar workers do some of the most dangerous trades, braving extreme conditions, heavy machinery, and high stakes. In this blog, I’ll share two lists of the top five riskiest jobs: one based on statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and another based on my own perspective.

Before we begin; what do you think the most dangerous trades jobs are in America? 

The Internet’s Top 5 Most Dangerous Trades

According to the BLS (Bureau Labor Statistics), these dangerous trades jobs have the highest fatality rates in the U.S.:

  1. Logging Workers

    • Fatality Rate: 82.2 deaths per 100,000 workers.
    • Hazards: Falling trees, heavy equipment, and rough terrain.
    • Logging is widely regarded as the most dangerous trade. Working in remote forests with unpredictable trees is not for the faint of heart.

  2. Fishing and Hunting Workers

    • Fatality Rate: 75.2 deaths per 100,000 workers.
    • Hazards: Harsh weather, drowning risks, and dangerous equipment.
    • Long hours at sea and unpredictable conditions make this job both grueling and deadly.

  3. Roofers

    • Fatality Rate: 59.3 deaths per 100,000 workers.
    • Hazards: Falls from heights, extreme heat, and exposure to hazardous materials.
    • One misstep on a roof can mean a serious injury or worse.

  4. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

    • Fatality Rate: 48.6 deaths per 100,000 workers.
    • Hazards: Crashes, especially in smaller planes used for crop dusting or private charters.
    • Despite advancements in aviation safety, smaller-scale flights carry significant risks.

  5. Iron and Steel Workers

    • Fatality Rate: 36.4 deaths per 100,000 workers.
    • Hazards: Falls, heavy machinery, and large moving steel beams.
    • Building America’s skyscrapers is thrilling but comes with serious risks.

My Personal Top 5 Most Dangerous Trades

Now, here’s my personal take on the riskiest, scariest most dangerous trades jobs. While some overlap with the internet’s list, others are based on trades I wouldn’t want to do myself.

  1. Underwater Welders

    • Why It’s Dangerous: This job has a fatality rate 40 times higher than the average across all industries. Hazards include drowning, decompression sickness, and working in pitch-black underwater conditions.
    • My Take: I can’t imagine welding in murky waters, where visibility is minimal and danger is everywhere. It’s a high-paying trade, but not for me.

  2. Ironworkers

    • Why It’s Dangerous: Even with modern safety gear, working at extreme heights while handling heavy materials is nerve-wracking.
    • My Take: Back in the early 1900s, this trade had a notoriously high fatality rate. While things have improved, it’s still a job where you can’t afford to make a single mistake.

  3. Lineman

    • Why It’s Dangerous: As a journeyman lineman, I know firsthand how hazardous this trade can be. From working with high-voltage electricity to climbing poles in storms, this job demands constant vigilance.
    • My Take: It’s not just physically demanding—it requires mental focus and a willingness to embrace the risks.

  4. First Responders (Cops, Firefighters, and Wildland Firefighters)

    • Why It’s Dangerous: First responders walk into the unknown every day. Whether it’s pulling someone over or battling wildfires, they face unpredictable and life-threatening situations.
    • My Take: Wildland firefighters, especially, deserve more recognition for their grueling work. Dropped into remote areas with minimal gear, they battle flames for days on end.

  5. Loggers

    • Why It’s Dangerous: Logging was also the internet’s top pick, and for good reason. The hazards of falling trees, dangerous equipment, and remote work make this a deadly trade.
    • My Take: Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve seen the toll this industry takes. It’s hard, dangerous work that deserves more respect.

Conclusion

These five dangerous trades are not for the faint of heart. Whether it’s scaling skyscrapers, battling wildfires, or braving the deep ocean, these jobs require grit, skill, and courage.

If you’re someone who thrives on adrenaline and isn’t afraid to face risks head-on, one of these trades might be for you. But remember, safety always comes first! Want to learn more about these trades, check out our career page!

 

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