A new on-line poll that came out in September is telling us something we already know: roofing is one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States.

A new on-line poll that came out in September is telling us something we already know: roofing is one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States.

With 37 deaths for every 100,000 workers, roofing is a profession that faces great odds of being injured on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And despite gains in safety procedures provided by contractors, roofing is one profession where workers are dying for a paycheck. Are you providing a safe working environment for your workers? Do you think safety is even more important during a down economy or during good times, or both?

Roofing is dangerous: we all know that. But the MSN Money poll found loggers and fishermen face the most daunting odds of dying at work in 2002, while the highways remain the most dangerous place for workers.

According to the poll, on-the-job accidents and homicides claimed the lives of 5,524 Americans last year, down 6.6 percent from 2001. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the workplace death rate is the lowest it has seen since recordkeeping began in 1992.

Fishing was the second most dangerous occupation, with 71.1 deaths for every 100,000 workers, followed by pilots and navigators, 69.8, structural metal workers, 58.2, and drivers-sales workers at 37.9.

Besides roofing, electric power installers, farm occupation, construction laborer and truck drivers also made the top 10. Are you doing enough to prevent injuries or fatalities on the job? What have you done to help the roofing profession become a safer place to work?