By Jamie Martin
Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, according to a new analysis of workplace fatality data.
MoneyGeek reviewed information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and found that farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers ranked as the 11th most dangerous occupation in America during 2024. The group recorded a fatal injury rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, far above the national average.
The report illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by agricultural workers who operate heavy machinery, travel extensively on roads, and work in demanding outdoor environments.
Researchers found that 175 farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers died from workplace incidents in 2024. In addition, miscellaneous agricultural workers ranked 12th among the nation's most dangerous occupations, recording 147 fatalities and a fatal injury rate of 19 deaths per 100,000 workers.
Transportation-related incidents were identified as the primary cause of death for both agricultural occupation groups. These incidents include vehicle crashes and machinery-related transportation accidents that frequently occur in rural and agricultural settings.
The study compared agriculture with other high-risk occupations. Logging workers ranked first overall with a fatal injury rate of 110.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. Fishing and hunting workers placed second, followed by roofers, structural iron and steel workers, and refuse and recyclable collectors.
Across all occupations, the United States recorded 5,070 workplace fatalities in 2024. While the total represented an improvement compared to previous years, the figures show that one worker still died from a job-related injury approximately every 104 minutes.
Transportation incidents continued to be the largest source of fatal workplace injuries nationwide. The report noted that roadway crashes remain a major safety challenge across multiple industries, including agriculture.
Another notable finding involved older workers. Employees aged 65 and older suffered 824 fatal work injuries in 2024, the highest level reported during the five-year review period. Fatalities in this age group increased by 21.9% since 2020.
State-level data revealed significant differences in workplace safety outcomes. Wyoming reported the highest fatality rate at 13.9 deaths per 100,000 workers. Mississippi, Alaska, and North Dakota also ranked among the states with elevated workplace fatality rates.
The report emphasized that jobs with the highest fatality rates are not always occupations with the highest number of deaths. Large occupations such as trucking can record more total fatalities, while smaller industries may have higher rates of risk per worker.
For agriculture, transportation remains a key area for safety improvements. Continued focus on driver training, vehicle maintenance, equipment safety and workplace awareness could help reduce risks for workers across the industry.
Despite encouraging declines in overall U.S. workplace fatality rates during the past two years, agriculture remains a high-risk profession. The latest findings underline the importance of ongoing investments in safety programs, training initiatives, and technologies designed to protect farm workers.
As producers prepare for future growing seasons, the report serves as a reminder that workplace safety must remain a priority throughout the agricultural sector. Farmers and ranchers continue to perform essential work, but reducing preventable injuries and fatalities remains a critical goal for the industry.
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Categories: National