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No one expects to be injured or killed on the job, but the reality is that workplace accidents happen all the time. In fact, some occupations are downright dangerous, and workers in those fields commonly face a much greater risk of being hurt or killed on the job. Below are five workplaces that historically could be considered the least safe work places for workers.

Logging Sites

The logging industry is notorious for injury accidents and fatalities  With a fatality rate 33 times higher than that of the average workplace, it could be argued that logging is the most dangerous job in the world. The majority of accidents occur from falling objects (i.e., logs) and heavy machinery malfunctions, but falls are also quite common.

Fishing Boats

Although fishing boats make up a small percentage of the overall maritime workforce, they are statistically more dangerous than most other workplaces in general. This industry sees a fatality rate of 77.4 per 100,000 workers, one of the highest in the workforce. Primary risks include falls, boat incidents, and equipment malfunctions.

Roofing Job Sites

Roofing jobs are remarkably dangerous because of the heights involved.  While the fatality rate per capita isn’t as high as some other professions, the actual numbers of injuries are greater because of the number of people who work in this field. Falls from roofs and ladders are especially common, but other hazards include contact with electricity and equipment malfunctions.

Farming

We wouldn’t typically think of farming as a hazardous industry, but modern agricultural techniques and lots of heavy equipment make it more dangerous than it used to be, especially for larger farms dealing with high volumes of crops and livestock. Working on farms and in agricultural-related workplaces, the primary threat is heavy machinery accidents.

Large-Scale Construction Sites

In general, construction sites are inherently prone to accidents, but the workers most in danger of injury and death on these job sites are the iron and steel construction workers. As with roofing, the primary threat is falling. Because ironworkers come on at the beginning of construction, they often work multiple stories up with nothing but harnesses to keep them aloft and nothing but iron, steel, and concrete to break their fall.

Even in high-risk industries, and especially in high-risk workplaces, employers have a duty of care to keep their workers safe. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident or someone you love has been killed on the job, our team of attorneys can help you get all the compensation to which you’re entitled.  Call Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. to schedule a free consultation today.