Study highlights agriculture as leading cause of worker deaths in several states
A new workplace safety study has identified several US states where workers face higher risks of fatal and non-fatal injuries, particularly in agriculture-related jobs. The study was conducted by Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys and examined injury data from 42 states where complete records were available for 2024.
Researchers analyzed fatal and non-fatal workplace injury rates and compared them with national averages. Each state was assigned an index score, where 100 reflects the national average risk.
Scores above this level indicate more dangerous working conditions, while lower scores suggest safer workplaces. Fatal injuries were given more weight because they reflect the most severe risks faced by workers.
The findings show that states such as Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Arkansas, and Iowa rank among the most dangerous places to work. In many of these states, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting stand out as the leading causes of worker fatalities. Fatal injury rates in agriculture are significantly higher than in most other industries.
For example, Wyoming recorded the highest overall risk score, driven largely by extremely high fatal injury rates in farming and related fields.
Alaska and Montana also showed dangerous patterns, with agricultural work accounting for a large share of fatal incidents. Iowa ranked among the top 10 states, where agriculture again emerged as the most hazardous industry, exceeding construction and transportation.
The study highlights that farming work often involves heavy machinery, long hours, and exposure to unpredictable outdoor conditions. These factors increase the chances of serious accidents, especially in states with strong agricultural economies.
Experts involved in the study explained that while non-fatal injuries are important, fatal accidents play a much larger role in determining overall workplace danger. The results emphasize the need for improved safety training, better equipment, and stronger awareness programs for agricultural workers.
Overall, the report serves as a reminder that agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, particularly in rural states where farm work is central to the local economy.