Most Dangerous Jobs in America

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has again released its annual analysis of workplace fatalities in the United States and the numbers are shocking for those in the fishing industry. Using data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program, the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated a fatality rate of 116 per 100,000 fishing workers. Fishermen and related fishing workers have the highest rate of fatal work injuries of any occupation. Further, the fishing industry as a whole consistently ranks highest for its yearly total number of workplace fatalities, despite the attempts of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to increase safety.

What makes these statistics even more disconcerting is the fact that fatal occupational injuries across the board are at the lowest rate since the tracking of this information began in 1992. Workplace homicides are also at record lows. The American workplace is getting safer while the fishing industry continues to report injuries at five times the average rate. Fishing has consistently ranked in the top ten of America’s most dangerous jobs. The numbers for 2010 were particularly high due to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, making fishing the deadliest profession in the country last year.

The maritime lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers represent injured fishermen and related fishing workers and the families of victims of fishing accidents. With more than 100 years combined experience and the largest Jones Act settlement, the lawyers of Schechter, Shaffer and Harris can help you win your case.