Ranking: Most injury-prone industries of 2025

Transporation and warehousing rank first, with a 4.5 incident rate, followed by arts, entertainment, and recreation (4.3).

A safe workplace reduces accidents, prevents long-term health issues, and builds trust among employees. In high-risk industries, where physical demands and environmental hazards are part of daily operations, prioritising safety becomes even more critical.

A report by Kuru revealed the most dangerous professions with the highest risk of injury, with the transportation & warehousing industry ranking first.

*While the survey was conducted in the US, HRO believes the results remain relevant to our readership in Asia.

Using 2023 figures on nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry according to the latest data by the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the statistics identified the jobs with the highest injury rates, measured per 100 full-time workers.

Here are the results of the survey: 

Transportation and warehousing

Workers in this field transport people and goods, manage warehouses, and support transportation systems. It is ranked first on the list as the work involves heavy machinery, long hours, and unpredictable conditions — all contributing to the high injury rates.

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

The entertainment and recreation industry is the second most hazardous industry, with an incidence rate of 4.3 injuries. The risks, especially in amusement parks and physical performances, explains this result.

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting

From tending crops to raising livestock, fishing, and even hunting, this industry involves physically demanding — and sometimes dangerous — work. With 4.2 injuries for every 100 full-time workers, the risks are high and ongoing safety efforts are essential.

Healthcare and social assistance

Workers in this industry provide essential health care and social assistance, supporting individuals through medical care and social services. Despite its importance, it has an incidence rate of 3.6 injuries, making it a high-risk field. In fact, in 2023, it led the top 10 industries in the number of recorded work injury cases.

Retail trade

In this industry, businesses sell goods directly to consumers, be it in stores or online. It is also one of the most dangerous professions, with an incidence rate of 3.1 injuries per 100 workers and 353.9 recorded injuries in 2023, due to the physical nature of the job — including stocking, handling inventory, and constant movement — which can lead to frequent workplace injuries.

Manufacturing

In manufacturing, workers use mechanical, physical, or chemical processes to transform materials into new products. With an incidence rate of 2.8 injuries per 100 workers and the second-highest number of injury cases among the top 10 sectors, this industry reflects the demanding and often hazardous nature of the work environment.

Accommodation and food services

Workers in this field provide lodging services and prepare food and drinks for customers. With an incidence rate of 2.7 injuries, it’s another high-risk industry. In 2023, it recorded 231.4 injury cases, ranking among the top 10 industries with the highest number of recorded injuries.

Construction

Workers in this field construct buildings and large engineering projects, including highways and utility systems. With an incidence rate of 2.3 injuries for every 100 full-time workers, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs due to the physical demands and potential hazards of working with heavy machinery and at great heights.

Wholesale trade

This industry specialises in wholesaling goods and offering services related to the sale of merchandise. With an incidence rate of 2.3 and 129.9 recorded injuries in 2023, the number of injuries in this field is notably similar to the construction industry. This comparison is intriguing, highlighting how two very different types of work can both involve high-risk activities.

Real estate and rental and leasing 

In this industry, workers are involved in renting, leasing, and providing services related to tangible and intangible assets. With an incidence rate of 2, it rounds out the top 10 list of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. The industry’s unique set of challenges, including property management and asset usage, accounts for its place in the top ranks of high-risk sectors.

Methodology

The team at KURU analysed the latest Bureau of Labour Statistics data to determine the 2023 incident rates for nonfatal illnesses and injuries by occupation. This reflects the most current information available at the time of publication.

READ MORE: Cambodia offers 40 days of paid time off, ranking the highest in Asia & Oceania 

Lead image / KURU