The purpose of this example is to illustrate the importance of viewing frequency counts, fatality rates, and indexes of relative risk to discern dangerous jobs. The occupations identified by the frequency risk techniques and a chance of injury can be used to target prevention efforts and may reduce both the number and rates of fatalities and injuries for those workers at highest risk. Characteristic of dangerous jobs Today, the jobs that have the highest fatality rates and frequency counts are found in outdoor occupations or occupations where workers are not in an office or factory. These include truckdrivers, farmers, construction laborers, and airplane pilots. Highway crashes are the primary cause of trucker fatalities, falls are the leading cause of death for construction laborers, and tractor rollovers account for 1 of every 3 farm worker fatalities.
Homicide is another serious concern in some job settings.
In 1995, homicide accounted for 16 percent of job-related fatalities. Workers most at risk are those who work late at night, work alone, and handle money. Taxicab drivers are the most susceptible and have a relative risk about 10 times higher than the typical worker. Other occupations that have a high relative risk of homicide include police and guards. For jobs with high numbers of nonfatal injuries and illnesses, overexertion is the leading event.