America's deadliest occupation?

[Steve Paskey]

According to cnn.com, from an annual government report: Commercial fishermen.

The death rate last year for commercial fishermen was 141 for every 100,000 workers. The national average was 3.9 per 100,000. In other words, a commercial fisherman is *36* times more likely to die on the job than the average worker.

I knew it was hazardous, but I'm surprised by the numbers.

[Steve Paskey]

And here are the top 10:

(Deaths per 100,000 workers )
Fishermen 141.7
Pilots 87.8
Loggers 82.3
Structural iron and steel workers 61.0
Refuse collectors 41.8
Farmers and ranchers 37.1
Power linemen 34.9
Roofers 33.9
Drivers 27.1
Agricultural workers 21.7

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

[Ron Joslin]

I thought it would be miners.

You said "die on the job". Any stats on those that die due to a condition caused by their occupation.

What is the rate for US Army or Marines these days. God bless them all.

[The Bigfella]

I worked for an American company for ten years. Wanna discuss asbestos?

[Hwyl]

Does not mention delivery skippers

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Its per 100,000 - are there that many?

[Hwyl]

Obviously much less, probably less than 200.

http://www.reliance-yachts.com/yacht-delivery.php lost two skippers and two crew last year

[ssor]

Until world war 2 more troops died from infectious disease than from combat. Today more troops die in traffic accidents than in combat.

[Steve Paskey]

I think the figures include any fatality on the job. For instance, if a pizza delivery guy is robbed and killed while making a delivery, that counts.

Here's the story: http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/07/pf/2006_most_dangerous_jobs/index.htm

As far as the number of people working at the job go, the Labor Dept. says:


Fishers and fishing vessel operators held an estimated 38,000 jobs in 2004. One out of two was self-employed. Most fishing takes place off the coasts, with Alaska, Louisiana, Virginia, California, and Massachusetts bringing in the greatest volume of fish. While fishing off the New England coast has declined in recent years because of restrictions on catching certain species, it still ranks high in total value of fish caught, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

[JimD]

Some good videos on the Deadliest Catch website: http://deadliestcatchtv.com/category/fishing

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Obviously much less, probably less than 200.

http://www.reliance-yachts.com/yacht-delivery.php lost two skippers and two crew last year

A man could get discouraged by numbers like that - have you read Yeager's autobiography?

[George Roberts]

I suspect that those who travel on the space shuttle are at a much higher risk of death than fishermen.

But the most dangerous professions have very few members, so the death rates will always appear very high.

[Stiletto]

We have an accident compensation commision that keeps detailed statistics on occupational groups and their accident rates.

From memory commercial fishing along with forestry and mining are the most dangerous occupations here. The construction industry is also fairly dangerous.

[pipefitter]

I worked commercial fishing on/off for a couple years. I found that the amount of drinking by the captains and the seasoned crew was more a hazard than the work. The sound of pop tops at 7 am was not uncommon. I recall one instance that an ignition wire had given way at the switch in seas and they had me crawl under the panel to hold it on for not being able to shut the motor. Between getting tossed,seeing daylight through the sides of the boat at times,stepped on by the Captain,I could see how things happen to some of these guys. I hope to never have to revisit the occupation. As it is,it killed my desire to fish offshore on purpose anyway.
I also think in recent years with these really short open seasons, has probably had much to do with the hazards being somewhat greater with the need to take chances.