What Is the Most Dangerous Job in the World?

When you think about the most dangerous jobs in the US, what comes to mind? Police officers? Corrections officers?

It might surprise you to learn that while both jobs certainly have risks, they still rank lower than other professions in terms of danger. 

Today we’re going to look at some of the different jobs in America and the world that feature high accident and fatality rates. While some of the jobs on this list may not surprise you, others almost certainly will. 

So what is the most dangerous job in the world?

Read on to learn about some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. 

Logging Workers

Logging workers have the most dangerous job in America and the world. These professionals harvest the trees that manufacturers then use to produce everything from wood and paper to cardboard. 

Logging workers use many different types of heavy machinery, which is partly why their working conditioners are so dangerous. This can lead to accidents caused by both logs and machinery. 

Another reason why logging workers have such a dangerous job is that they work in isolated and remote locations. If an accident does happen, it often takes a while for help to arrive. 

Logging workers have a fatality rate of 111 per 100,000 workers. 

Aircraft Pilots

Aircraft pilots are professionals who fly aircraft such as helicopters and planes. They can work for themselves, for private companies, or institutions like the military. 

Besides flying the aircraft, pilots also need to ensure that everything is up to code before taking off. This means inspecting the different components, ensuring enough fuel, and monitoring upcoming weather conditions.

Most of the aircraft crashes that occur are with private pilots. They have a fatality rate of 53 per 100,000 workers. 

Roofers

Most people who own a home have hired roofers at least once before. They work to build, maintain, and repair different roofs in both commercial and residential locations. 

To get on top of the roofs, roofers rely on ladders. Some (but not all) secure themselves while they install shingles, metal, and other materials.

As you might guess, the most common type of roofing accident is falling. Depending on the height of the roof or ladder, a fall can cause anything from broken bones to death.

Around 41 per 100,000 roofers die each year. 

Garbage Collectors

Most people would guess that garbage collectors have one of the dirtiest jobs, but few people know that their job can also be dangerous.

As you probably know, these professionals operate and drive collection trucks around neighborhoods. Depending on the truck, they may get garbage, recyclables, or both. They then unload the garbage at a designated location. 

Garbage collectors experience an average of 34 deaths per 100,000 workers. In most cases, deaths happen when the workers get hit by a garbage truck or another vehicle. 

Farmers

People who live in cities might envy the down-to-earth simplicity of farmers, but their lives are far from relaxing. The average farmer spends hours a day ensuring that their farm is running as it should.

Depending on the type of farm that they manage, farmers may handle crops, animals, or both. To do that, most modern farmers rely on advanced heavy machinery.

Despite being convenient, this machinery can often lead to accidents. Farmers experience 26 deaths per 100,000 workers, with crashes being the leading cause. 

Power Line Workers

Next time you flip on a light in your home, take a moment to stop and appreciate the work that power line workers do for you. These professionals help ensure that power flows to all homes and businesses.

To do that, power line workers drive vehicles with maintenance equipment to power junctions and lines. They then use a bucket truck to install or repair what the job site requires. 

Power line workers across the country experience around 20 deaths per 100,000 workers. Electrocution is the leading cause of death.

Infrastructure jobs, in general, can often be dangerous, with railroads not being an exception. If you’ve worked as a railroad worker before, make sure you’re clear on the railroad disability qualifications. 

Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are one of the essential parts of a safe and efficient transit system. They tell both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers when they can pass through an intersection. 

Crossing guards often work at schools and other busy areas. In some instances, they may even help pedestrians cross an intersection.

Unfortunately, reckless drivers can sometimes hit crossing guards, making transportation incidents the most common cause of death. The death rate for crossing guards hovers around 19 out of 100,000 workers. 

Construction Helpers

As their name suggests, construction helpers are professionals who assist with construction projects. They work alongside trade workers to ensure that building development goes off without a hitch.

As is the case with any construction job, construction helpers suffer from an above-average death rate. Most of these deaths are in the form of slips and falls. Around 18 out of 100,000 workers die each year. 

What Is the Most Dangerous Job in the World? That Might Surprise You

What is the most dangerous job in the world? Many people assume that police officers and firefighters face the most dangers at work. While those jobs do, of course, come with risks, they aren’t the most dangerous. 

As this guide shows, many people don’t even realize that some jobs are dangerous. If you know someone who works in one of the careers mentioned in this guide, make sure to express your appreciation to them. 

What is the most dangerous job? We hope you can answer that question now. Make sure to check out the rest of our site for more great content.