Just about every job comes with at least some level of risk, but certain occupations put workers in harm’s way far more than others. Some jobs in Arizona and across the United States are far more dangerous than others, with fatality rates well above the national average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a government agency, tracks workplace fatalities and injuries across most industries annually. Based on their numbers, here are 10 of the most dangerous jobs in the country, along with what employees in these fields should know about their legal rights.
1. Truck Drivers
Sheer time spent on the road makes transportation one of the deadliest sectors overall. The size and weight of these vehicles mean that any accident could be fatal.
2. Construction Laborers
General construction laborers face a wide mix of hazards depending on the job site. OSHA refers to the industry’s top causes of death as the “Fatal Four“: falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents.
3. Roofers
Falls are the leading cause of death in the roofing industry. Working at height in varying weather conditions makes this one of the most physically hazardous trades in construction.
4. Aircraft Pilots
While commercial airline pilots benefit from extensive safety systems, smaller aircraft operations carry much greater risk. Incidents in this industry are somewhat rare compared with those in other industries on this list, but they are often severe or fatal when they do occur.
5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Garbage collectors work around heavy trucks in active traffic lanes on a daily basis. Struck-by incidents and equipment-related injuries are among the primary causes of death and serious harm.
6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
These workers assemble the frameworks of buildings and bridges at extreme heights. Falls and contact with heavy materials are constant hazards throughout the workday, just to name a couple.
7. Logging Workers
Logging consistently ranks among the most dangerous jobs. Workers face dangers from falling trees and remote job sites where emergency medical care is hard to reach.
8. Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Agriculture involves heavy machinery and long hours in extreme temperatures. Tractor rollovers alone account for a significant share of farming deaths each year.
9. Fishing Workers
Commercial fishing has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Rough seas and the remote nature of the work are among the factors contributing to the risk.
10. Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers
Electrocution and falls from utility poles are the two biggest threats to line workers. Emergency repair work during storms adds another layer of danger.
Employer Responsibilities in High-Risk Industries
Dangerous jobs can raise more than safety concerns. They can also involve wage violations, retaliation, and other employment law issues.
For example, OSHA sets baseline safety standards that apply to most workplaces, covering everything from fall protection and equipment maintenance to hazard communication and emergency protocols. Legal protections for workers in high-risk jobs also go beyond physical safety.
Employers must also comply with wage and hour laws that are especially relevant in these industries, including:
- Paying proper overtime rates for hours worked beyond 40 in a week under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Accurately tracking and recording hours for workers with varying schedules
- Compensating workers for all time spent on required safety training and protective gear procedures
- Providing legally mandated meal and rest breaks where required
Workers in dangerous jobs are also protected from retaliation. For example, if you report a safety violation to OSHA, your employer cannot legally punish you for doing so. Unfortunately, retaliation still happens, and many workers don’t realize they have legal recourse when it does.
Contact the Phoenix Employment Lawyers at Houk Employment Attorneys for Help Today
Workers in dangerous occupations deserve safe working conditions, fair pay, and protection from unlawful treatment on the job. If your employer in Arizona has failed to follow workplace safety laws, wage and hour rules, or anti-retaliation protections, you may have the right to take legal action.
For more information, please contact the experienced employment attorneys at Houk Employment Attorneys to schedule an initial consultation today.
Our employment law firm is conveniently located near you, with an office in Phoenix, AZ.
Houk Employment Attorneys
631 N 1st Ave Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(480) 569-2377
