In 2022, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries reported in the United States, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Occupations involving vehicles or working at heights are among the most perilous in the U.S., with over half of workplace fatalities in 2022 resulting from falls or collisions.
Although workplace injuries have increased, interest in higher-risk fields has not diminished. According to St. Louis personal injury law firm Burger Law, which analyzed BLS data, certain hazardous jobs still show potential for growth. The firm examined which occupations were the most dangerous in 2022 and their growth prospects, with many sectors expected to expand in the coming years.
Here are the most hazardous jobs in the U.S., each with fatality rates significantly higher than the national average of 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.