The 15 deadliest jobs in America
Business Insider
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
New data reveals that logging work is the deadliest job in America, with a fatal injury rate of over 100 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2024. This stark statistic far exceeds the national average of 3.3 fatalities per 100,000 workers, highlighting the inherent dangers of working in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 5,070 workplace deaths in 2024, marking a decline from the previous year's figure of 5,283. While transportation incidents and falls accounted for the largest share of fatal injuries, logging workers faced disproportionately high risks due to their demanding and often hazardous tasks.
The dangers of logging extend beyond physical labor; the job requires operating heavy machinery, working in remote and unpredictable environments, and navigating treacherous terrain. These factors contribute to the alarming fatality rate, which saw 51 deaths among logging workers last year. In comparison, driver/sales workers and truck drivers, another high-risk occupation, recorded 950 fatal injuries, resulting in a rate of 25.7 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Transportation incidents overall were the leading cause of workplace fatalities, with over 1,900 deaths attributed to this category.
The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing workplace safety, particularly in industries with high fatality rates. For businesses, addressing these risks is not only a matter of employee well-being but also a critical factor in reducing costs associated with injuries and fatalities. As workplace safety continues to evolve, understanding these trends can help employers implement more effective safety measures and protect their workers from life-threatening hazards.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/24/2026