# Most Dangerous Jobs in the U.S. According to OSHA | Attorney Brian White

**Table of Contents***[*Expand*]*

1. Logging Workers
2. Hunters and Fishers
3. Roofers
4. Construction Workers
5. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
6. Refuse Waste and Recyclable Material Collectors
7. Structural Steel Workers
8. Truck and Delivery Drivers
9. How To Recover Compensation After a Work-Related Accident
10. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim

![https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/minimum-amount-of-auto-insurance-coverage-required-in-texas/](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Most-Dangerous-Jobs-in-the-U.S.-According-to-OSHA-1-300x200.jpg)

It’s no secret that certain careers are riskier than others. Wondering if your job is one of the riskiest in America? The [Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)](https://www.osha.gov/) closely monitors work-related accidents nationwide. 

It is crucial to know the riskiest jobs in the U.S. as identified by OSHA and what these high-risk industries entail. Doing so can help you be prepared to seek compensation if you suffer harm at work. 

## Logging Workers

Loggers work in forests, using heavy machinery to cut trees for products like lumber and paper. This job is risky due to the machinery and the chance of contact with dangerous objects. Most deaths in this field happen because of machinery accidents, but other hazards exist too. These include falling branches, changing weather, and rough terrain. Safety is a key concern for loggers in these conditions.

For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000)

## Hunters and Fishers

Fishing and hunting workers interact with wildlife in several ways. They set traps, catch fish commercially, and operate heavy machinery as part of their work. The risky conditions they face make this job the most dangerous in the United States. Drowning and injuries from heavy machinery are common causes of [death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) in this field.

## Roofers

Roofers face significant risks in their profession. Falls from roofs or ladders they use are the main causes of severe injuries. Accidents often happen when workers fall off the roof, but using ladders or other equipment unsafely can also lead to fatal injuries.

[Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today

## Construction Workers

Construction workers perform various tasks, each with its own risks. They work in environments where falling objects or falls from heights are common. Ladder missteps and heavy machinery accidents are frequent causes of fatal injuries. 

Examples of hazards in construction include: 

- Machinery accidents
- [Defective equipment](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/)
- Sidewalk bridge falls
- Ground or trench collapses
- Explosions and fires
- Electrocution
- [Scaffold accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/construction-accident-lawyer/scaffolding/)
- [Forklift accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/)
- Crane accidents

These [accidents often happen due to construction](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/construction-accident-lawyer/) companies looking to cut costs and increase profits at the expense of worker safety.

Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now

## Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers face significant risks, with transportation accidents being more common than often perceived. Despite the safety record of commercial airlines, most on-the-job accidents involve private helicopters and planes. 

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers were ranked as the second most dangerous job in 2018. While they have since dropped in terms of fatal injury rates, the majority of serious incidents in this field are transportation-related. The greatest dangers for these professionals are associated with private aircraft and helicopters.

## Refuse Waste and Recyclable Material Collectors

Refuse waste and recyclable material collectors, such as sanitation workers, face a hazardous work environment. Dangers in this field often stem from heavy machinery on [garbage trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/garbage-truck/). A common cause of fatalities is workers being struck by their own trucks or other vehicles while collecting trash. Additionally, these workers risk [slip and fall accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/slip-and-fall-accident-lawyer/) and crushing injuries, often exacerbated by insufficient training.

## Structural Steel Workers

Workers in structural iron and steel are at a heightened risk for serious accidents, including: 

- [Slip and fall accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/slip-and-fall-accident-lawyer/)
- [Ladder accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/)
- Improper training
- Trouble loading or unloading steel
- Forklift accidents
- Incidents involving heavy machinery
- Lack of proper supervision
- Equipment defects or malfunctions

Fatalities in this field often result from accidental falls, slips, and trips. Tasked with building large structures using steel, these workers frequently climb ladders, operate heavy machinery, and handle the loading and unloading of steel, presenting numerous risks for accidents.

## Truck and Delivery Drivers

Delivery and truck drivers face increased risks of severe injuries, largely due to the nature of their work involving motor vehicle operation. [Truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), affecting both large 18-wheelers and smaller delivery trucks, are a major concern.

Factors contributing to truck driver injuries include:

- [Distracted driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/)
- Drowsy driving
- [Speeding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/)
- [Failure to yield](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-yield-properly-in-houston/)
- Failure to stop
- Parts defects
- [Dangerous roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/most-dangerous-roads-and-intersections-in-houston/)
- [Drunk driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/dui/)

Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to hazards due to vehicle accidents. Crashes are the leading cause of fatalities in this field.

## How To Recover Compensation After a Work-Related Accident

You may be eligible for compensation and benefits if you’ve suffered a [work-related injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/7-of-the-most-common-work-related-injuries/) in[Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might have grounds for a personal injury [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/claim-vs-lawsuit/). This can allow you to seek damages beyond what [workers’ comp](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/act/index.html) offers.

If you’re injured on the job, a Houston personal injury attorney can explain your legal options for securing the financial support you need during recovery.

## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim

Our offices       Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098)         Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029)         Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054)         Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079)         Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058)         The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203
The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380)         Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444
Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777)  [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069)

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### About the Author Brian White

![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg)

[Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), truck accidents, [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more.

Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.

[Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston)

Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/)

Workplace Accidents Blog Posts:    [![Top Five Mistakes Made After a Job Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/top-five-mistakes-made-after-a-job-injury/)   [Top Five Mistakes Made After a Job Injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/top-five-mistakes-made-after-a-job-injury/)

On-the-job injuries and occupational illnesses happen regularly. Across the U.S., 2.7 million workers reported a

[![How To Become A Heavy Equipment Operator In Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/how-to-become-a-heavy-equipment-operator-in-texas-300x158.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-become-a-heavy-equipment-operator-in-texas/)   [How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-become-a-heavy-equipment-operator-in-texas/)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities for construction equipment operators are projected

[![Worker Killed in Houston Texas Tunnel Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Worker-Killed-in-Houston-Texas-Tunnel-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/worker-killed-in-houston-tunnel-accident/)   [Worker Killed in Houston Tunnel Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/worker-killed-in-houston-tunnel-accident/)

The Houston Fire Department confirmed that a worker died in an accident in northeast Harris County. The worker died at

[![How a Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Severance Package in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/How-a-Lawyer-Can-Help-Negotiate-a-Severance-Package-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-a-lawyer-can-help-negotiate-a-severance-package-in-houston/)   [How a Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Severance Package in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-a-lawyer-can-help-negotiate-a-severance-package-in-houston/)

Are you being offered a severance package after leaving your job in Houston, TX? Severance agreements can be complex

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Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-us-according-to-osha/
