Every year, millions of people head to work thinking it’ll be business as usual, until it isn’t. A slip on a ladder. A piece of machinery that malfunctions. A long shift that pushes the body just a little too far.

By the end of 2023, more than 2.6 million U.S. workers reported a non-fatal injury or illness caused by their job. And while it might be tempting to point fingers at the lingering effects of the pandemic, the truth is far more concerning: many of these injuries were the result of poor safety standards in some of the country’s most dangerous industries.

At O’Connor Law, we looked into the data and found that certain sectors, like logging, fishing, roofing, and steelwork, have some of the highest injury rates in the nation. In fact, in these industries alone, 1.61% of employees reported a workplace injury in 2023.

That’s not just a stat, it’s a warning.

Jobs With the Highest Risk of Injury

Some careers simply come with more built-in risk. Whether it’s working at great heights, handling powerful equipment, or navigating unpredictable weather, these jobs push workers to the limit. Here’s what the numbers tell us:

• Fishing and Hunting: 2.6% of workers reported injuries in 2023. Between dangerous weather, wild animals, and handling firearms or equipment, it’s one of the riskiest fields.
• Structural Iron & Steel Work: Injuries affected 1.168% of workers. Working with heavy materials and at high elevations makes this job both physically demanding and dangerous.
• Logging: 1.12% of loggers were injured on the job. Add rough terrain, falling trees, and powerful machinery to the mix, and you’ve got one of the deadliest fields in the U.S.
• Aircraft Pilots: While it might seem less physically intense, pilot work isn’t without risk—0.558% reported injuries, often due to stress, turbulence-related incidents, or equipment malfunctions.
• Roofing: Falls, sharp tools, and the unpredictability of weather contribute to injuries in 0.059% of roofers.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Most Common?

Although these jobs are very different, the injuries that workers experience often overlap. Some of the most frequent on-the-job injuries include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Electric shocks
• Repetitive motion injuries (like carpal tunnel or chronic joint pain)
• Sprains, strains, and muscle tears
• Cuts, bruises, or fractures
• Being struck by falling objects or caught in machinery

In some extreme cases, injuries can lead to amputations or long-term disabilities. And while the physical trauma is serious enough, the mental health toll is just as important.

The Mental Health Toll of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries don’t just sideline someone physically; they often leave emotional scars, too. Many workers report developing PTSD, anxiety, or depression after serious injuries, especially if they feel unsupported during recovery.

Injured employees may feel pressure to “bounce back” quickly, even if their body and mind aren’t ready. Some rush back to work out of financial desperation, which can lead to re-injury or slower healing.

And let’s not forget the financial stress. Without proper benefits or return-to-work programs, many injured workers find themselves struggling to pay bills or forced to leave the workforce altogether.

What Can Be Done to Make Dangerous Jobs Safer?

The good news? Injuries can be reduced. Our research points to several steps industries can take to make high-risk jobs safer:

Annual or semi-annual safety training (and refreshers throughout a worker’s career)
Routine physicals to confirm that employees can safely perform their duties
Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment
Access to well-maintained, up-to-date safety gear
Clear instructions on how to use protective gear and machinery safely
Return-to-work programs that support injured workers through modified duties and flexible timelines
Fatigue-aware scheduling that limits long shifts and allows for proper rest

Workplace safety shouldn’t be treated as a box to check; it should be part of the culture.

Workplace injuries are more than an unfortunate byproduct of tough jobs. They’re a sign that more must be done to protect workers, especially those putting their health on the line every day.

By recognizing the most dangerous industries and taking proactive steps to address risks, employers can save lives, reduce long-term harm, and support their employees’ physical and mental well-being.