Some people mistakenly equate small businesses with safe, cushy indoor jobs. But that’s far from the case. According to injury and fatality data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (PDF), some small businesses are among the most dangerous, even deadly, jobs that exist. Here are the 5 most dangerous industries for small business.
1. Commercial Fishing
(Image via explore.org)
The Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” captures a lot of the danger involved in commercial fishing. Although only a few small fleets work the Bering Strait (or are followed by a camera crew), nearly all fishing businesses face dangers related to operating heavy machinery in sometimes treacherous seas.
Fatality Rate per 100,000: 117.0
2. Roofing
(Image via NateTheKnife on Flickr)
Roofers spend their days on high, sloping, sometimes unstable and often extremely hot surfaces. It takes a toll.
Fatality Rate per 100,000: 40.5
3. Trucking
(Image via sahrarunner.com)
Though only a few hardy haulers brave cracking ice on northern lakes, transporting goods in 18-wheelers can be plenty dangerous on even the best roads.
Fatality Rate per 100,000: 22.1
4. Farming, ranching and other small agricultural businesses
(Image via Ranch Seeker on Flickr)
Though operating heavy equipment is usually the most dangerous part of agricultural businesses, the hoofed kind of horsepower can pose a big threat as well.
Fatality Rate per 100,000: 21.3
5. Logging
(Image via paukrus on Flickr)
Heavy equipment such as chainsaws, logging machines and trucks cause the bulk of logging injuries and fatalities. However, the trees themselves pose the biggest threat to lumberjacks.
Fatality Rate per 100,000: 91.9
(Featured image via shizuku_san on Flickr)