America's 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

Last year was the safest year in the American workplace, but heights, weather and heavy equipment still put many people at risk. Which 10 jobs are the worst?

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America's Most Dangerous Jobs

Fireboats try to stop the blaze on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig after it exploded in the Gulf.

The American workplace is safer than ever despite some recent job-related disasters, such as the West Virginia coal mining explosion and the Gulf oil-rig catastrophe.

Only 4,340 people died on the job last year, down 16.8% from 2008, according to new data released Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's a rate of 3.3 deaths per 100,000 workers -- the lowest ever reported by the BLS.

Here's a look at some of the most dangerous jobs and how workers keep themselves safe.

By Les Christie, staff writer

NEXT: Fisherman

Last updated August 20 2010: 9:38 AM ET

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