Most Dangerous Jobs in America: Professions With the Highest Risk of Injury
Workplace injuries come in all shapes and severities—from minor slips and falls to life-altering amputations. The effects of these incidents can ripple through workers’ daily lives, especially in jobs that demand long hours on their feet.
To uncover the professions where these risks are most prevalent, we dove into the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using 2023 figures on nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry, we identified the jobs with the highest injury rates, measured per 100 full-time workers.
These statistics shine a light on the hidden dangers of everyday jobs—some you might not expect.
The Most Hazardous Occupations
Workplace injuries don’t affect all industries equally. Some professions carry a far greater risk than others, with workers in these fields facing daily hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. The table below highlights the most recent incidence rates by industry, offering a closer look at where the risks are highest.
| Industry | Incidence Rate (2023) | Number of Cases (2023) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and warehousing | 4.5 | 265.7 | 1 |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 4.3 | 61 | 2 |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting | 4.2 | 40.3 | 3 |
| Health care and social assistance | 3.6 | 562.5 | 4 |
| Retail trade | 3.1 | 353.9 | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 2.8 | 355.8 | 6 |
| Accommodation and food services | 2.7 | 231.4 | 7 |
| Construction | 2.3 | 173.2 | 8 |
| Wholesale trade | 2.3 | 129.9 | 9 |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 2 | 42.4 | 10 |
| Utilities | 1.8 | 10.1 | 11 |
| Administrative and support and waste management | 1.8 | 99.3 | 12 |
| Educational services | 1.7 | 37.2 | 13 |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1.7 | 57.9 | 14 |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 1.3 | 8.6 | 15 |
| Information | 1 | 28.9 | 16 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 0.8 | 77.4 | 17 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0.6 | 15.4 | 18 |
| Finance and insurance | 0.3 | 18 | 19 |
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 high-risk occupations leading the chart and explore the demanding work that makes these jobs so injury-prone.
1. Transportation and Warehousing
Workers in this field transport people and goods, manage warehouses, and support transportation systems. With a BLS-reported incidence rate of 4.5 per 100 full-time workers, it’s #1 on the list and home to some of the most dangerous jobs. The work involves heavy machinery, long hours, and unpredictable conditions—all contributing to the high injury rates.
2. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
The world of entertainment and recreation isn’t all fun and games—it’s actually the second most hazardous industry, with an incidence rate of 4.3 injuries. The risks, especially in amusement parks and physical performances, help explain why it’s #2 on the list.
3. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
From tending crops to raising livestock, fishing, and even hunting, this industry involves physically demanding—and sometimes dangerous—work. With 4.2 injuries for every 100 full-time workers, the risks are high and ongoing safety efforts are essential.
4. Health Care and Social Assistance
Workers in this industry provide essential health care and social assistance, supporting individuals through medical care and social services. Despite its importance, it has an incidence rate of 3.6 injuries, making it a high-risk field. In fact, in 2023, it led the top 10 industries in the number of recorded work injury cases.
5. Retail Trade
In this industry, businesses sell goods directly to consumers—whether in stores or online. It may be surprising, but it’s also one of the most dangerous professions. With an incidence rate of 3.1 injuries per 100 workers and 353.9 recorded injuries in 2023, the physical nature of the job—including stocking, handling inventory, and constant movement—can lead to frequent workplace injuries.
6. Manufacturing
In manufacturing, workers use mechanical, physical, or chemical processes to transform materials into new products. With an incidence rate of 2.8 injuries per 100 workers and the second-highest number of injury cases among the top 10 sectors, this industry reflects the demanding and often hazardous nature of the work environment.
7. Accommodation and Food Services
Workers in this field provide lodging services and prepare food and drinks for customers. With an incidence rate of 2.7 injuries, it’s another high-risk industry. In 2023, it recorded 231.4 injury cases, ranking among the top 10 industries with the highest number of recorded injuries.
8. Construction
Workers in this field construct buildings and large engineering projects, including highways and utility systems. With an incidence rate of 2.3 injuries for every 100 full-time workers, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs due to the physical demands and potential hazards of working with heavy machinery and at great heights.
9. Wholesale Trade
This industry specializes in wholesaling goods and offering services related to the sale of merchandise. With an incidence rate of 2.3 and 129.9 recorded injuries in 2023, the number of injuries in this field is notably similar to the construction industry. This comparison is intriguing, highlighting how two very different types of work can both involve high-risk activities.
10. Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
In this industry, workers are involved in renting, leasing, and providing services related to tangible and intangible assets. With an incidence rate of 2, it rounds out the top 10 list of the most dangerous jobs in the US. The industry’s unique set of challenges, including property management and asset usage, accounts for its place in the top ranks of high-risk sectors.
Workplace Safety Tips
Now that we’ve covered the most dangerous industries, here are some top safety recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help protect workers:
- Regularly train new employees and offer refresher courses to keep everyone updated on safety protocols.
- Train employees to recognize and address chemical, physical, and biological hazards through regular inspections.
- Ensure proper equipment and training to prevent falls when working at heights, and factor safety costs into job estimates.
- Ensure workers wear essential personal protective equipment, including footwear with anti-slip soles, to minimize injury risks.
- Provide water, rest, and shade for outdoor workers to avoid heat-related issues, and train for emergency heat situations.
- Make sure employees know emergency procedures and have clear directions in case of a disaster.
- Maintain proper airflow to avoid poor air quality, which can lead to health issues like headaches and fatigue.
- Stock up on medical supplies and ensure you're prepared for workplace injuries.
- Review employee schedules to avoid burnout and ensure enough breaks to reduce fatigue and accidents.
- Give workers the knowledge and tools to report hazards and promote safety standards freely in the workplace.
Methodology & Sources
We analyzed the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data to determine the 2023 incident rates for nonfatal illnesses and injuries by occupation. This reflects the most current information available at the time of publication. Workplace safety tips came from OSHA.
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