New report highlights workplace risks facing farmers and ranchers
Farming continues to be one of the most hazardous professions in the United States, according to a new report analyzing federal workplace fatality data.
The study, conducted by MoneyGeek using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ranked farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers as the 11th most dangerous occupation in America. The group recorded a fatal injury rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2024, nearly six times higher than the national average for all occupations.
The findings highlight the serious risks faced by agricultural workers despite advances in equipment, technology, and workplace safety programs.
According to the report, 175 farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers lost their lives while working in 2024. Another agricultural category, miscellaneous agricultural workers, ranked 12th on the list with a fatal injury rate of 19 deaths per 100,000 workers and 147 workplace fatalities.
Transportation incidents remained the leading cause of death for both agricultural occupation groups. Vehicle crashes, equipment-related transportation accidents, and roadway incidents continue to pose significant hazards to farm workers across the country.
While agriculture ranked among the most dangerous industries, logging workers topped the national list. The occupation reported 110.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2024. Fishing and hunting workers, roofers, structural iron and steel workers, and refuse and recyclable collectors rounded out the top five most dangerous occupations.
The report also found that workplace fatalities remain a nationwide concern. A total of 5,070 U.S. workers died from job-related injuries in 2024. Although this represented a decline from recent years, a worker still lost their life approximately every 104 minutes.
Transportation incidents were identified as the leading cause of workplace deaths across many industries. The category accounted for more than one-third of all fatal workplace injuries reported nationwide.
Researchers also noted a growing trend among older workers. Employees aged 65 and older experienced 824 fatal workplace injuries in 2024, the highest total recorded during the five-year study period. Fatalities in this age group increased by nearly 22% compared to 2020.
Geography also played a role in workplace safety outcomes. Wyoming recorded the highest workplace fatality rate in the country at 13.9 deaths per 100,000 workers. Mississippi, Alaska, and North Dakota followed among the states with the highest fatality rates.
The study pointed out that fatal injury rates and total fatalities often tell different stories. Some occupations have extremely high fatality rates despite relatively small workforces. Others experience a large number of deaths simply because many more workers are employed in those industries.
Agriculture remains a sector where safety improvements can have a significant impact. Transportation-related hazards, heavy equipment operation, livestock handling, and long work hours all contribute to workplace risks. Safety experts continue to encourage training, awareness, and proper equipment used to reduce injuries and fatalities.
Although national workplace fatality rates have declined for two consecutive years, the report suggests continued attention is needed in high-risk occupations such as agriculture. The findings serve as a reminder of the essential, yet challenging work performed by farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who help supply food, fuel and fiber across North America.
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