Discover the Most Dangerous Jobs in Florida

Accidents can happen at any job. For example, you could be crossing the road to get to work and be hit by a car. Or drop dead of a heart attack in your office chair. However, there are certain occupations that contain more risk than others, often leading to fatalities. The Sunshine State has a few of these professions. Below is a list of the 10 most dangerous jobs in Florida.

The Most Dangerous Jobs in Florida

1. Transportation

Transportation is the most dangerous job in Florida. Unfortunately, most of the fatalities are caused by truck drivers. Accidents are often caused by fatigue, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding. In 2021, 80 employees in the transportation industry in Florida lost their lives. But the drivers aren’t the only ones to blame. Their employers sometimes make them stay on the road longer than federal law allows. Furthermore, they may fail to carry out routine vehicle inspections and maintenance.

2. Construction

Unfortunately, construction is the second most dangerous job in Florida. Sadly, 69 construction workers lost their lives in Florida in 2021. However, there are four types of construction accidents that account for almost 60% of the deaths within the industry. They include:

• Getting caught in machinery or cave-in
• Falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, and falls on the same level.
• Electrocution through contact with overhead or underground power lines.
• Getting hit by objects like materials dropped from above.

Sadly, most of these accidents can be avoided if the workers receive the proper training from their employers. In addition, in many of these cases, the workers didn’t have the appropriate safety equipment and protective gear, like hard hats or harnesses.

3. Building, Grounds Cleaning, and Maintenance Occupations

Grounds cleaners are also at risk of dying when on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44 grounds and maintenance workers died on the job in 2021. The cause of these deaths was largely due to transportation incidents, falls, traumatic exposures to harmful environments and substances, and contact with objects and equipment.

4. Installation and Repair

People working in the installation and repair industry are at risk of succumbing to an injury on the job, which could be fatal. For example, people who install and repair heating and cooling systems are exposed to the inherent dangers that come with the extreme temperatures of the machinery they are installing or fixing. Additionally, there are many fatal accidents caused by slipping and falling. Furthermore, industrial machiner work is also extremely dangerous. When working with several mechanical moving parts and dangerous implements, objects often strike people, causing life-threatening injuries.

5. Protective Services (Fire, Police, EMT)

It’s no secret that protective services, like police work, fire services, and EMTs, are dangerous jobs. Police in Florida risk their lives every day by facing dangerous criminals. Firefighters run into burning buildings and take the risk of smoke inhalation. Additionally, EMTs stand the risk of contracting fatal illnesses or viruses. In 2021, 19 protective service employees lost their lives on the job in Florida.

6. Roofers

Even experienced roofers stand the chance of falling off the roof. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can result in death when roofing. It doesn’t matter if the weather is perfect, windy, or wet; anything can happen up there, and the strictest precautions should always be taken. Did you know that 34% of roofing accidents result in death? One of the main reasons roofers fall off the roof is because they trip over their equipment, but falling off ladders is also common.

7. Production

One of the biggest risks associated with production is safety. For example, many production processes involve using potentially hazardous materials or equipment. It is easy for employees to get injured or killed on the job without the proper safety training and protocols. Furthermore, employers can be held accountable for injuries on their property, so it’s essential to ensure that employees receive the correct training and have reliable safety equipment. Sadly, 12 production employees lost their lives in 2021, making it the seventh most dangerous job in Florida.

8. Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

While many think of serene beauty when they think of farms, the truth is they are not as carefree as we think. Farming is more complex than most people are aware of, and it presents challenges that can threaten the lives of farmers. For example, many farm-related deaths are caused by machinery accidents, hot and long working conditions, chemicals and pesticides, and unpredictable livestock. As a result, Florida lost 11 of its farmers in 2021. Fishing and forestry are also very dangerous. Fishermen can trip and fall on slippery rocks, hitting their heads and drowning. Foresters stand the chance of getting hit in the head by a falling tree or debris.

9. Painters

Painting might seem like a stress reliever, but it is actually one of the most dangerous jobs, not only in Florida but the world. Painters are exposed to several hazardous situations that could result in death, including:

• Falls – Painters have to stand on ladders of ledges when painting areas high up. But, they also have to handle various materials when in this position. As a result, many painters fall from ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated locations when painting walls or ceilings, often resulting in injury or death.
• Toxic Exposure – Painters have to work with an array of chemicals like paint, thinners, and brush cleaners, which are all toxic when inhaled. Too much exposure to these chemicals can cause several illnesses, which can lead to death.

10. Sales

Believe it or not, sales is one of the most dangerous jobs in Florida. Firstly, many sales agents spend a lot of time in their cars. Therefore, many sale-related deaths are caused by car accidents. However, sales agents also meet many people, and they have a higher chance of encountering. While it is uncommon, sales agents are more likely to get murdered.

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