The Most Dangerous States for Transportation and Warehouse Workers

The transportation and warehousing sectors play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, employing millions of workers and providing essential services. However, the nature of these industries means that these workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

An analysis by the workers compensation lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, of the U.S. Department of Labor & Statistics Industry data outlines, state by state, the most dangerous states for warehouse and transportation workers.

Overview of Transportation and Warehousing Industries

With an employment level of 6.6 million as of June 2024, the transportation and warehousing sectors account for 5% of all U.S. private sector jobs. These industries encompass diverse domains such as trucking, air transportation, warehousing, storage, and public transportation. Though vital to the economy, the environments in these sectors expose workers to higher risks of injury and fatality.

A Decade of Injuries and Illnesses in Transportation and Warehousing

States Ranked from Most Dangerous to Least Dangerous for Transportation and Warehouse Workers by Reported Injuries and Illnesses

According to data reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the ten year period from 2014–2023, the states averaging the most injuries and illnesses in the transportation and warehouse sectors are:

1. California – 30,250

2. Texas – 18,040

3. Pennsylvania – 11,860

4. Illinois – 11,850

5. New York – 9,930

6. New Jersey – 8,090

7. Ohio – 7,270

8. Tennessee – 6,510

9. North Carolina – 6,050

10. Washington – 5,850

11. Michigan – 5,730

12. Indiana – 5,670

13. Arizona – 4,740

14. Wisconsin – 4,630

15. Georgia – 4,570

16. Kentucky – 4,560

17. Virginia – 4,480

18. Maryland – 4,200

19. Missouri – 4,010

20. Massachusetts – 3,820

21. Minnesota – 3,760

22. Oregon – 3,590

23. Nevada – 3,390

24. Connecticut – 2,570

25. Iowa – 2,400

26. South Carolina – 2,380

27. Utah – 2,320

28. Kansas – 2,190

29. Alabama – 2,110

30. Louisiana – 1,830

31. Nebraska – 1,620

32. Arkansas – 1,520

33. Hawaii – 1,260

34. Oklahoma – 1,140

35. Colorado – 1,030

36. Maine – 980

37. Alaska – 740

38. New Mexico – 720

39. Montana – 690

40. West Virginia – 630

41. Delaware – 570

42. Vermont – 300

43. Washington DC – 10

44. Wyoming – 0

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industry-level data from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), Private industry, All U.S., Supersector: Trade, transportation, and utilities, Industry: Transportation and warehousing, Industry Code: SP2TRW, Case Type: Total recordable cases, Data Type: Number of injury cases (thousands) (Size class 0), Years: 2014 to 2023, Data extracted on: February 13, 2025 (2:15:32 PM)

10 Years of Fatalities in Transportation and Warehousing

States Ranked from Most Deadly to Least Deadly for Transportation and Warehouse Workers by Fatalities

According to data reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the ten year period from 2014–2023, the states averaging the highest fatal injury rate each year in the transportation and warehouse sectors are:

1. Texas – 112.1

2. California – 63.7

3. Florida – 37.4

4. Georgia – 34.4

5. Illinois – 34.3

6. Pennsylvania – 32.8

7. Ohio – 27.1

8. Indiana – 25.1

9. New York – 24.1

10. Tennessee – 23.1

11. Arizona – 22.9

12. Missouri – 22.9

13. North Carolina – 22.3

14. Louisiana – 21.9

15. Virginia – 20.4

16. Alabama – 19.8

17. Arkansas – 19.2

18. Oklahoma – 17.1

19. South Carolina – 16

20. New Jersey – 15.8

21. Michigan – 15.2

22. Kentucky – 14.4

23. Colorado – 13.7

24. Mississippi – 13.6

25. Maryland – 13

26. Iowa – 12.6

27. Wisconsin – 11.9

28. Oregon – 11.3

29. New Mexico – 11

30. Kansas – 11

31. West Virginia – 10.1

32. Washington – 10

33. Utah – 9.8

34. Wyoming – 8.8

35. Minnesota – 8.6

36. Nevada – 7.2

37. Massachusetts – 7

38. Nebraska – 6.7

39. Connecticut – 6.6

40. Alaska – 6.5

41. Idaho – 6

42. Montana – 4.5

43. North Dakota – 2.6

44. Hawaii – 2.3

45. New Hampshire – 2.1

46. South Dakota – 1.5

47. Vermont – 0.8

48. Maine – 0.7

49. Washington DC – 0.4

50. Delaware – 0.2

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, Fatalities by detailed private industry, Ownership– Private, Industry: Transportation and warehousing, Years: 2014 to 2023, Data extracted on: February 13, 2025 (1:48:46 PM)

A Safer Tomorrow

While the economic and logistical significance of transportation and warehousing is undeniable, achieving better workplace safety across the U.S. is essential. These industries carry inherent risks, but with proper investment in safety protocols, updated training safety measures, and innovative technologies, businesses can help reduce injury and fatality rates, ensuring protections for the vital labor force driving these sectors.