The Most Dangerous Jobs in America: Who’s Getting Hurt at Work and Why It Matters

Every day, millions of people across the U.S. head to work, not realizing just how risky their jobs are. Whether it’s lifting boxes in a warehouse, standing for hours behind a retail counter, or caring for patients in a hospital, certain industries put workers at a much higher risk for injury—and in some cases, long-term harm.

In 2023 alone, more than 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries were reported in the private sector. That number isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call for better safety measures, more training, and stronger protections on the job.

At O’Connor Law, we took a closer look at the latest data to find out where workplace injuries are happening most often, who’s being impacted the most, and what can be done to keep workers safe.

The Industries with the Most Injuries

Not all jobs are created equal when it comes to risk. Some fields naturally come with more hazards, whether it’s heavy lifting, long shifts, or exposure to dangerous equipment and substances.

Here are the industries that saw the highest number of injuries in 2023:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance – 471,600 injuries

  • Hospitals: 185,000

  • Ambulatory services: 120,200

• Retail Trade – 334,700 injuries

  • General merchandise stores: 88,900

  • Food and beverage stores: 78,200

• Manufacturing – 326,400 injuries

  • Food manufacturing: 54,900

  • Transportation equipment manufacturing: 51,700

• Transportation & Warehousing – 255,400 injuries

  • Warehousing and storage: 73,700

  • Couriers and messengers: 72,800

• Food & Accommodation Services – 222,700 injuries

Healthcare workers often suffer from sprains, strains, and tears caused by lifting patients and standing for long periods. In warehouse and transportation jobs, common injuries include overexertion, slips and falls, and equipment accidents.

Who’s Getting Hurt the Most?

Age plays a big role in workplace injuries. Workers between 25 and 54 years old are the most likely to be injured—partly because they make up a large share of the workforce in high-risk industries.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Ages 25–34: 493,180 injuries

• Ages 35–44: 439,560

• Ages 45–54: 432,390

• Ages 55–64: 386,870

• Ages 20–24: 239,180

• Ages 16–19: 79,990

Interestingly, younger workers have fewer injuries overall, but that doesn’t mean they’re safer. Their lack of experience and limited training can increase their risk.

There’s also a gender gap: women are more likely to experience non-fatal injuries, while men face a higher risk of fatal workplace accidents.

Where Injuries Are Happening Most (and Least)

Geography also plays a role. States with large populations and heavy concentrations of high-risk industries tend to report more workplace injuries.

Top 5 States for Reported Injuries in 2023:

• California – 363,900

• Texas – 175,900

• Illinois – 101,400

• Ohio – 84,800

• Washington – 81,600

On the flip side, states with smaller workforces and stricter safety standards tend to report fewer injuries:

Lowest Injury Totals by State:

• Wyoming – 4,600

• Delaware – 7,200

• Vermont – 7,900

• Montana – 11,500

• West Virginia – 12,300

Skilled vs. Non-Skilled Labor: A Big Divide

The type of job you do can dramatically affect your injury risk. Generally, jobs that don’t require formal training or education tend to see more injuries.

• Non-skilled workers (like those in retail, warehousing, and hospitality) are injured more frequently due to fast-paced environments, physical demands, and less access to safety resources.

• Skilled workers (like those in healthcare, engineering, and finance) tend to be better protected by safety regulations, licensing standards, and specialized training.

If companies in high-risk, non-skilled industries invest more in proper safety protocols and training, injury rates could significantly drop.

How We Can Prevent Injuries on the Job

Even with all the progress that’s been made since OSHA was introduced in 1970, workplace injuries and deaths have decreased by 60%—we’re still seeing millions of injuries each year.

So, what can be done?

Here are a few proven ways to reduce risks:

• Provide thorough employee safety training

• Conduct regular hazard assessments

• Follow OSHA safety standards closely

• Make sure employees have the right gear and equipment

Knowing which jobs and demographics are most at risk helps us advocate for better protections and gives employers the insight they need to make changes that matter.

Workplace safety isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a human one. When we prioritize safety, we don’t just prevent injuries, we create healthier, more productive workplaces where people feel valued and protected.

Because every worker deserves to go home safe.