Most Dangerous Occupations for Texans

By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on November 13, 2015

working on a ranch

In 2014, 4,679 fatalities were caused by injuries at work. Certain jobs in Texas are more dangerous than others. Jobs in the agricultural industry are prevalent in Texas. Managers are tasked with coordinating and directing operations of farms and ranches, dealing with livestock, crops, and other natural resources. Heavy machinery is commonly used, which poses a substantial on-the-job health risk.

Approximately 16.49 fatalities occurred on the job per 1,000 employees in the agricultural industry between 2011 and 2013, making it the second most dangerous profession in the United States.

Ranch Workers

Ranch workers tend to animals that are raised for producing a range of products, performing such tasks as herding, branding, weighing, capturing and loading animals. The heavy machinery used on the job as well as unpredictable animal behavior puts ranch workers at risk of on-the-job accidents and fatalities. Approximately 1.58 deaths per 1,000 ranch workers occurred between 2011 and 2013.

Roofers

Roofers work with bulky, weighty materials and equipment on the job, which can be cumbersome to carry several stories up a ladder. Working high off the ground, roofers are at risk of falling on the job, leading to severe or fatal injuries. 0.7 deaths per 1,000 roofers took place between 2011 and 2013.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers haul heavy loads using tractor-trailers, typically for long stretches. Truck drivers are at risk of being involved in vehicle accidents as they transport cargo or may be injured as they load or unload materials. Between 2011 and 2013, 0.45 fatalities occurred per 1,000 truck drivers.

Oil & Gas Drillers

The dangerous, heavy equipment utilized in oil and gas drilling is a health risk to Texans in this industry. Falls, becoming caught in equipment or being struck by machinery are some of the hazards causing fatal injuries in the workplace.

Have you been injured in a job-related accident, or lost a loved one due to a workplace injury? An experienced Fort Worth, TX personal injury attorney at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at (817) 920-9000 today for a free consultation.

Fact Checked Icon

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.

Recent Blog Posts

Oil derricks.

Oilfield Contractors vs. Operators: Who Can Be Sued After an Accident?

December 20, 2026

After a Fort Worth oilfield accident, you may be able to sue the contractor, the operator, or another company. Still, liability depends on who controlled the work, who created the dangerous condition, and whose conduct caused your injury. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we know how complex oilfield accidents can...

Read Article
Woman at grocery store.

Why Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents Are More Serious Than People Think

December 12, 2026

Grocery store slip and fall accidents are more serious than people think because they can cause serious injuries that may seem negligible at first. A sudden fall onto a hard floor can damage your head, spine, hips, joints, and other parts of your body, even when the fall initially looks...

Read Article
Highway pileup accidents.

Common Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Accidents on Highways

December 05, 2026

Multi-vehicle highway accidents in Fort Worth can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and severe soft tissue damage. You can be struck more than once as vehicles collide, increasing the force placed on the body. These crashes can occur on major highways...

Read Article

Request a Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.

Footer Call Icon

Give Us A Call

We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (817) 920-9000.

Footer Mail Icon

Email Us Anytime

Email us anytime and we will get back to you.

Footer Map Icon

We’ll Come To You

Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.

Footer Calender Icon

Available 24/7

Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.

Fort Worth, TX Office

4200 W Vickery Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Directions