Uncovering the Risks: The Increasing Danger of Landscaping Jobs in America
Landscaping may not seem like a dangerous job, but recent data shows that it has become increasingly risky. According to a MoneyGeek analysis of federal labor data, the fatal injury rate for groundskeepers and landscapers has risen from 13 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 21 per 100,000 in 2024. This increase has made landscaping one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America, trailing behind trucking and construction. In 2024, 239 grounds maintenance workers lost their lives due to work-related injuries.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlighted that groundskeepers and landscapers are most commonly killed while using tools or machinery to trim or cut down trees. Operating vehicles or transportation equipment also poses a significant risk. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that fatalities in this occupation are evenly distributed among transportation incidents, falls, and contact with heavy equipment. Heat exposure has emerged as a growing cause of fatal injuries in this field.
In addition to landscaping, other occupations that have seen an increase in danger between 2014 and 2024 include security guards and carpenters. However, their injury and death rates remain below the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America. On the other hand, some professions have become safer over the years. Pilots, flight engineers, electricians, farmers, ranchers, and power-line installers have experienced a significant decrease in fatal injuries during the same period.
The top 10 most dangerous jobs in America, based on the analysis, include landscaping, truck driving, construction work, logging, fishing, farming, roofing, waste collection, ironworking, and power-line installation. Despite the risks associated with these occupations, efforts to improve safety measures and training have led to a decrease in fatal injuries in some fields. It is crucial for employers and workers to prioritize safety to prevent workplace accidents and fatalities.