Deadly Jobs: A Deep Dive into U.S. Worker Fatalities, Trends & Risks

Workplace safety is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical aspect of protecting lives and ensuring employee well-being. As we look back at recent data, it’s clear that some industries and occupations continue to face significant risks, and, despite advancements in safety protocols, the number of workplace fatalities remains a pressing concern.

Key Statistics in Workplace Injuries, Illnesses & Fatalities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022 (the latest year for which data are available as of the time of this posting). That same year, 5,486 U.S. workers died due to on-the-job accidents and work-related illnesses. This marks a nearly 6% increase in work fatalities nationwide from the previous year, as well as a 7.5% increase in non-fatal injuries and illnesses.

Here are some other alarming trends:

• On average, one worker passed away every 96 minutes due to an occupational injury in the United States in 2022
• Transportation-related incidents comprised nearly 40% of all work-related fatal events, making up the majority of workplace fatalities
• Black and Latino workers were disproportionately affected; while the national fatal injury rate was 3.7 for every 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) worker, the rates for Black and Latino workers ranged from 4.0 to 4.2 and 4.5 to 4.6, respectively
• Workers between the ages of 55 and 64 were also disproportionately overrepresented in the total number of work-related fatalities in 2022, comprising more than 21% of all workplace and occupation-related deaths

What Are the Most Common Fatal Workplace Events?

Despite an overall downward trend from pre-pandemic levels, transportation-related incidents remained the leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2022. In fact, these types of events increased by more than 4% from 2021 and made up 37.7% of all work-related fatalities in 2022. Specifically, roadway incidents involving motorized vehicles, such as automobiles and semi-trucks, led to 1,369 worker fatalities, an increase of 9.3% from the previous year.

After transportation incidents, the types of work-related events that led to the most fatalities in 2022 included:

• Exposure to harmful environments and substances
• Unintentional overdose
• Suicide
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Homicide
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Contact with dangerous objects or equipment

Fatalities in each of these areas saw increases in 2022 compared to 2021. Most notably, worker deaths related to exposure to extreme temperatures increased by nearly 19%, while deaths by suicide increased by just above 13% in 2022 following steady decreases in 2020 and 2021.

Which Industries Are Most Dangerous?

Unsurprisingly, the transportation industry saw the most worker deaths in 2022, with a rate of 14.6 worker fatalities for every 100,000 FTE workers. In total, 1,620 workers in transportation and material moving jobs died due to work-related incidents.

Following transportation and material moving, the industry with the second highest number of workplace fatalities in 2022 was construction and extraction, with a total of 1,056 deaths. Within this industry, slips, trips, and falls accounted for the most worker fatalities (423), and the overall worker fatality rate was 13.0 deaths per 100,000 FTE workers.

Other occupations that saw notable increases in worker fatalities in 2022 included:

• Protective service roles, such as law enforcement officials, parole officers, and firefighters
• Installation, repair, and maintenance workers, such as building and grounds cleaners
• Commercial farming, fishing, and forestry employees, which had the highest rate of worker fatalities (23.5 deaths per 100,000 FTE workers)

How Employers Can Improve Worker Safety

Most workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities can be attributed to negligence—negligence by employers, coworkers, and other third parties, like equipment manufacturers, product distributors, customers, and unrelated individuals. Employers have a responsibility to do everything possible to ensure workplace safety. As such, employers should adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses both proactive measures and ongoing improvements aimed at reducing the overall number of injury-causing and fatal incidents.

Key strategies include:

• Adhering to All Safety Regulations: Employers must obey all applicable safety regulations, including those outlined by OSHA guidelines, state law, and industry-specific practices designed to keep employees safe.
• Conducting Thorough Risk Assessments: By identifying potential hazards in the workplace and implementing targeted safety protocols to address them, employers can reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths.
• Providing Comprehensive Training: Employers should equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to handle risks and respond to emergencies effectively. This includes maintaining proper lockout/tagout procedures and other protocols.
• Running Regular Safety Drills: Employers should not only clearly convey proper safety procedures but also ensure that they are regularly practiced and updated to keep employees prepared for various scenarios.
• Fostering a Safety-First Culture: By encouraging open communication about unsafe conditions and ensuring employees feel comfortable reporting issues without fear of reprisal, employers can contribute to a safer workplace.
• Investing in Proper Safety Equipment: Employers must provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) suited to specific tasks, such as gloves or protective eyewear, and ensure that all PPE is well-maintained.
• Considering Ergonomics and Workspace Layout: Employers can design the physical workspace to minimize strain and prevent repetitive strain injuries, as well as provide employees with the tools needed to avoid such injuries.

By implementing these strategies, employers can not only comply with safety regulations but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees' well-being. When they fail to keep workers safe, employers must be held accountable.