Approximately 5,000 workers die from workplace injuries every year in the United States. Hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured. Using OSHA enforcement data, we analyze which industries have the highest violation rates and worst safety records.
Industries by Violation Rate
| Industry | Violations | Serious/Willful % | Violations/Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | 3,421 | 46% | 1.04 |
| Retail Trade | 1,837 | 46% | 1.01 |
| Manufacturing | 6,314 | 67% | 1.01 |
| Manufacturing | 5,169 | 69% | 1.01 |
| Retail Trade | 3,307 | 51% | 1.01 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 602 | 47% | 1.01 |
| Manufacturing | 8,841 | 67% | 1.01 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 822 | 51% | 1.00 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 827 | 56% | 1.00 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management | 2,751 | 50% | 1.00 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 1,469 | 61% | 1.00 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 2,955 | 49% | 1.00 |
| Other Services | 718 | 53% | 1.00 |
| Wholesale Trade | 3,014 | 57% | 1.00 |
| Public Administration | 764 | 52% | 1.00 |
Construction: The Volume Leader
Construction generates more OSHA violations than any other industry by raw count. The Focus Four hazards — falls, struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in/between — account for over 55% of construction fatalities. Fall protection violations are the single most-cited OSHA standard every year.
Agriculture: The Hidden Danger
Agriculture has the highest fatality rate per worker but receives less attention because the workforce is smaller and more geographically dispersed. Farm equipment rollovers, grain bin entrapment, and pesticide exposure are the leading hazards. Notably, farms with fewer than 10 employees are partially exempt from OSHA jurisdiction.
Warehousing: The Growing Concern
Warehousing and distribution have seen rapidly increasing OSHA attention as the sector has grown with e-commerce. Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive lifting, forklift incidents, and heat exposure are common citations. Several large logistics companies appear in our most dangerous companies ranking.
For an explanation of violation types, see OSHA violations explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous industry in America?
Construction consistently ranks as the most dangerous industry by total fatalities and violation counts. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing have the highest fatality rate per 100,000 workers. Manufacturing and warehousing also rank high for non-fatal injuries and OSHA violations.
How many workplace deaths occur per year?
Approximately 5,000-5,500 workers die from workplace injuries each year in the United States, according to BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. This does not include occupational illness deaths, which add an estimated 50,000-60,000 additional deaths annually.
What are the OSHA Focus Four hazards?
The OSHA Focus Four are the leading causes of construction fatalities: falls (accounts for ~35% of construction deaths), struck-by-object (~10%), electrocution (~8%), and caught-in/between (~2%). These four hazards are responsible for more than half of all construction worker deaths.
About This Data
Industry data from OSHA Enforcement Data (IMIS) and BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. See our methodology.