What jobs do you think of when you hear the word “freelance”? Industries like IT, design, and other safe and harmless digital spheres would probably come to mind. However, the world of freelance is boundless, with many jobs entailing genuine health risks and lethal hazards. Today, we’re covering some of the most dangerous freelance jobs in the US by industry.
Deadliest industries in figures
There is no statistical data on how many freelancers receive fatal work injuries. Keeping in mind that independent contractors (58 million Americans identified as independent workers in 2022) can be found in almost any industry, let’s take a look at the recent data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2022. Industries with the highest fatality rates per 100,000 FTE workers included:
Now, what kinds of events and exposures were the main causes of lethal traumas? The census reveals the following:
It’s time to find out what the most dangerous professions and industries in the US are. We’ll be taking into consideration the fatal injury rate per 100,000 FTE workers and the numbers of fatal work injuries per industry.
Farming, fishing, and forestry
Farming, fishing, and forestry industries often seek contractors for seasonal work, which is especially relevant for farming and agriculture due to the nature of production.
The majority of fatal injuries received by loggers were connected to contact with objects and equipment. Since it’s sometimes hard to predict which direction the tree will fall, just a slight miscalculation can come with a serious price. Their jobs are directly related to operating heavy machinery and using sharp and heavy tools. From struck-by and caught-in or - between hazards to electrocution and transportation accidents, there are countless dangers loggers face while at work.
How can the logging industry become less dangerous? Swedish scientists at Mittuniversitetet have recently run tests on a remotely controlled forest machine using a 5G drone in an area with weak connectivity. Perhaps, this could be the future of safer logging.
Fishermen had the second-highest fatality rate, which is not surprising at all. They work with heavy machinery and are exposed to harsh weather conditions, slips and falls, drowning, harmful substances, and more.
In case of severe injuries, it is harder for fishermen to get medical care because they often operate in remote areas. If a ship capsizes, it takes time to send a rescue team. In 2019, a group of seven fishermen on the Scandies Rose crab boat went down because of extreme weather conditions and inaccurate instructions. Only two of the crew members survived.
When it comes to animal farming, not only are there dangers related to operating heavy machinery, tools, and equipment, but working with animals can also be extremely risky. On top of that, there are some less obvious hazards. For example, farmers might die from inhaling toxic fumes coming from manure pits, as happened to three brothers working on a farm in Ohio in 2021. Once intoxicated by fumes, they lost consciousness and fell into the pit, unable to move. Manure storage pits are often installed on large livestock productions, posing serious risks.
Another farming-related danger that could surprise you is grain silos. You might get entrapped in one, basically “drowning” in grain. They can also collapse on you, leading to deathly consequences. Just in April this year, an accident like this happened in Pennsylvania, which resulted in the death of a farmer.
Work-related traumas aside, climate change and its effects on workers are a major concern. In January 2023, an agricultural worker tragically died at the workplace in Parkland, Florida because of heat exhaustion. Extreme heat can cause heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
In my experience, farmers often ignore their pain. Having met many farmers myself, I’ve noticed acting tough is almost like an unspoken rule in the industry, particularly among the older generations. In 2022, I worked on a farm in Denmark. The main farmer on that production was a man called Krumme, with whom I became good friends. At 67, he barely sees a doctor and at times takes painkillers to get through the workday regardless of how exhausted he feels.
Transportation and material moving
Transportation and material moving occupations incurred the highest numbers of fatal injuries in the US in 2022. Workers in these roles get into transportation incidents and often deal with collisions and falling objects while on duty.
Just in 2021, there were 5,149 fatal crashes involving large trucks. Spending most of their work shifts on the road makes drivers statistically more vulnerable to traffic incidents. As the navigation of unfamiliar areas is a part of their job, too, it adds even more risk of getting into a crash. But traffic-related injuries are not the only causes of fatal injuries vehicle operators face daily.
Drivers and delivery workers are often subject to theft, robbery, and other crimes. An unfortunate example of this is a case that happened earlier this year in St. Johns County. A semi-truck driver got attacked and robbed after pulling over to get a rest.
Driving jobs in construction and manufacturing impose even more dangers on vehicle operators. For instance, Cesar Anguiano-Guitron, a contractor disposal truck driver died in March, 2024 in Phoenix after he was hit by a blunt object at the workplace.
Truck drivers are notorious for taking extremely long shifts, sometimes not sleeping for days on end in order to deliver the goods quicker. This results in decreased focus, slower reaction, and even falling asleep while driving. Drivers worldwide share this harmful pattern.
In his younger years, Krumme, my old friend I mentioned earlier, worked as a truck driver. He shared a lot of stories about that time, and once confessed he didn’t sleep for nearly three days in a row in order to get to his family for Christmas.
Air transportation workers, including flight engineers, are also at high risk of lethal accidents at work. Flight engineers in particular not only face industry-related hazards like flight emergencies, equipment malfunctions, and harmful substances, they also experience high levels of stress. It is their job to check the proper functioning of an aircraft before, during, and after the flight.
Just like with other industries I’m covering in today’s article, these occupations require increased vigilance.
Construction
The construction industry is among the most life-threatening ones in the world. There are many risks construction workers face on a daily basis — from falling from heights to being electrocuted, struck by tools and equipment, and caught between heavy objects and machinery.
Construction sites are extremely dangerous. Even when following safety measures, some accidents are harder to predict. For example, in February 2024, a construction worker died in Brooklyn at a construction site after the floor collapsed. The man was in the basement when the collapse happened, with rubble pinning him down and leading to fatal injury.
The tech industry is slowly making its way into construction, aiming to boost productivity and provide safer working conditions for workers. For example, the Industrial Systems Engineering department of the Virginia Tech Institute is developing exoskeletons to ease the workload and improve construction workers’ quality of life.
Roofing contractors die at work mainly from falls, slips, or trips. Although following safety measures is a must in such an industry, some employers fail to provide secure working conditions to the employees, which often results in fatal injuries. In 2023, a contractor worker fell through the roof at a construction site. The man was part of a team replacing the roof and was moving a filled wheelbarrow when he fell through the roof. He was taken to a hospital but the injuries were too severe and he passed away. The accident could have been prevented had the employer provided fall protection to its workers.
Electrical contractors died at the workplace from exposure to harmful substances or environments and falls, slips, and trips as the primary reasons for fatalities. In 2023, an electrician died in Fort Myers Beach after being electrocuted and suffering a cardiac arrest.
Accidents and fatal injuries at construction sites are not uncommon. That’s why following safety protocols and using safety equipment are a must. However, many employers fail to provide adequate working conditions to their workers.
Installation, maintenance, and repair
The industry includes vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, repairers, wind turbine service technicians and more. Risks, such as electrical hazards, slips, trips, falls, exposure to toxic chemicals and environments, caught-in or - between accidents, fire and explosions are always present in these roles.
The automotive and repair industry saw 89 fatal injuries in 2022. A car mechanic died in Jacksonville, Florida after being crashed by a car while doing repair work under it. He was alone at the shop, with no one to help him at the time of the accident. The man was found dead by a customer later that day.
Installation work also involves serious risks. A solar panel installer received a fatal injury in February this year in Lake County, Illinois. The fall from the roof he was working on during the installation led to the death of the 28-year-old man.
While you might be following safety measures working in installation, maintenance, and repair, a small malfunction at the workplace could lead to potentially lethal situations.
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry is known to be one of the riskiest. In May 2024, Virgil Paynter was operating an excavator on a coal mine. While the details of the tragedy are not yet released, a 27-year-old miner is reported to have received a fatal injury during work.
Transportation accidents, deadly contact with objects and equipment, and exposure to toxic substances are among the top causes of fatal injuries in the industry. Mining machine and tool operating requires a lot of focus and taking strong safety measures.
Services to buildings and dwellings
Those providing exterminating and pest control, janitorial, and landscaping services face real dangers at work. The majority of fatal cases in the industry were related to landscaping.
Landscapers use dangerous equipment and tools and are often exposed to toxic chemicals. But sometimes, even an ordinary task of mowing grass can lead to tragic consequences. A landscaper was recently found dead in a pond in North Texas. The man ended up being trapped under the grass mower in the pond, which eventually resulted in his death.
Most death cases among janitors were falls, slips, and trips. Since they have to do things such as lifting heavy bags, climbing ladders, and using toxic cleaning chemicals, it is considered very risky.
Pest control professionals' death count was relatively low. Even so, the job remains extremely dangerous due to direct work with harmful chemicals.
I’ve covered some of the most dangerous industries and jobs in the US. While some fatal cases could not have been predicted, a lot of them come from unsustainable working conditions. It is also no secret not everyone follows safety rules in an attempt to get the job done quicker.
Unusual and extremely dangerous gigs
Now, let’s shake things up a bit. The jobs I’ve covered so far are quite common, but there are also rare and dangerous occupations you may find intriguing.
Storm chasers
For some, storm chasing can be a fun and adventurous hobby, while others make a living covering extreme weather conditions, such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, etc. There have even been series dedicated to the topic, including the Storm Chasers by Discovery Channel. Although statistically the death rate in this area would be low, as there are so few people doing it, the dangers of storm chasing can’t be overstated.
It goes without saying being in the epicenter of severe weather phenomena is incredibly risky. Storm chasers have to drive in extreme weather conditions and beware of debris. Unfortunately, it can lead to fatal injuries, as it happened with Tim Samaras, a famous storm chaser and the co-creator of the Discovery TV series mentioned above. In 2013, Tim Samaras, together with his son Paul and a colleague Carl Young, were caught in the tornado near El Reno they were chasing at the time, which led to three of them losing their lives.
To give you an idea of what it’s like to be a storm chaser, I’ve contacted Chelsea Burnett. She’s a professional storm chaser, public speaker, and photographer based in Dallas, Texas.
Altana: How and when did you decide storm chasing was something you wanted to do? And are you not scared to do it?
Chelsea: It’s been a lifelong dream to chase storms, since I first realized what thunder was at the age of 2. I was a teenager when Oklahoma’s worst tornado outbreak happened May 3, 1999. After that and the debut of the movie Twister, I was hooked. Seeing Mother Nature in that raw state is a rush and I’ve never been scared of it all!
Altana: Could you describe the most dangerous situation(s) from your experience while storm chasing?
Chelsea: It depends who you ask! Ask my dad, he’ll say every time. Ask me? I’ll shrug and mention the time back on April 26th we let a tornado cross I-80 in front of us in Lincoln NE. Debris started raining down around us but we had the shelter of our vehicle.
Altana: How easy is it to find freelance gigs being in such a unique industry?
Chelsea: It’s not easy in the least! The “easiest” way I’d say is to sign a contract with a media broker and get storm footage sold to regional and national news outlets. Otherwise I’ve paved my own way as a public speaker delivering talks on severe weather awareness & storm chasing.
Well, this occupation is definitely something you have to really be passionate about to do. Not only is it dangerous but it also can be extremely hard to get a job being a storm chaser, as Chelsea mentions.
Commercial divers
Commercial divers’ responsibilities can range from underwater construction and maintenance to scientific research and finding corpses. They often operate in deep waters with zero to low visibility. A little mistake can cause devastating, at times fatal consequences. The major reasons for injuries and deaths in commercial diving are electrocution, hypothermia, decompression sickness, and, of course, drowning.
Every job has its threats. If you’re planning on taking a role that is statistically higher-risk, you should take safety measures extremely seriously. Today’s fatal injury examples show that simply following safety rules can make a huge difference.
Unfortunately, workers’ rights are still widely violated. In the case of illegal workers, things are even grimmer, but it’s an issue for another article. Employees are often forced to do long shifts and aren’t given a chance for a proper rest. Sometimes, their pay for normal working hours is insufficient, forcing them to take extra hours. All this leads to the declination of mental and physical health and even fatal injuries.
I’m an ex-English teacher who discovered a passion for writing. My goal is to create insightful articles that help boost readers’ personal and professional growth.
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