10 of the country’s most dangerous jobs
Workplace safety is among the top priorities for most businesses. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries do still occur – and some occupations bear the brunt of the danger.
Days away from work
So how do the most dangerous jobs stack up? To determine the risk inherent in a job, the Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2014 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at the incidence rate – the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work per 10,000 workers. This statistic takes into account the total number of workers in a given occupation, giving a clearer picture of how dangerous that occupation is when compared to other occupations that may include a significantly larger or smaller number of workers.
The report shows that this incidence rate fell to 107.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers in 2014 from the 2013 rate of 109.4.
Most dangerous occupations
Of course, the most dangerous jobs vastly outpace the national average. Here's a list of some of the most hazardous occupations:
1.Police and sheriff's patrol officers
- Total number of workers* – 638,810
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 27,660
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 485.8
- Total number of workers – 308,790
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 14,440
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 448.4
- Total number of workers – 140,650
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 5,110
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 433
4.Correctional officers and jailers
- Total number of workers – 434,420
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 16,050
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 423.3
- Total number of workers – 1,427,740
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 39,020
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 372.5
6.Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Total number of workers – 1,625,290
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 55,710
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 365.5
7.Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
- Total number of workers – 235,760
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 7,010
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 333
- Total number of workers – 852,870
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 22,190
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 309.7
9.Light truck or delivery services drivers
- Total number of workers – 797,010
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 22,420
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 299.9
10. Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers
- Total number of workers – 261,390
- Number of injuries and illnesses – 6,590
- Injury/illness incidence rate – 284.7
*Employment estimates from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for May 2014
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