It’s no surprise that some jobs pose a greater risk to your safety compared to others. But did you know that there are some jobs out there that can be downright deadly?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about five people die on the job in the US every day. But if you look around the world, there are specific jobs that put workers’ lives at a much higher risk than others. From commercial fishing to construction work, here is a look at five of the most dangerous jobs worldwide.
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Over 3,000 commercial fishermen lose their lives every year due to accidents and hazardous on-the-job conditions. In addition to occupational risks such as long hours and exposure to the elements, commercial fishing has unique dangers such as sinking vessels, dangerous weather conditions, and hazardous operating equipment.
Out at sea, communication systems can be limited or inaccessible, so rescue attempts are often slowed substantially. According to US Department of Labor stats, commercial fishermen die at ten times the rate of workers in all other branches combined.
Logging
Logging is another extremely dangerous job involving much manual labor under challenging conditions. Loggers must use heavy machinery such as chainsaws and bulldozers while working in forests full of trees and other debris. They are also exposed to extreme weather conditions, which can make their work even more hazardous.
But what may come as a surprise is that logging is even more dangerous in other parts of the world; lack of training and modern technological solutions available in other countries makes logging one of the most hazardous jobs overall.
The tension between workers wanting accurate wages for their labor and employers wanting to cut corners on safety practices has left each country with difficult decisions.
Construction Work
Construction workers are unfortunately all too familiar with workplace injuries – and deaths – due to their demanding profession. Construction sites are filled with potential hazards such as electricity cables, open pits, moving machinery, scaffolding collapse risks, falling objects, and exposure to toxic materials, all of which could potentially lead to fatal accidents or injury if safety regulations aren’t followed properly.
Compared to other industries, the construction industry has some of the highest rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries, and construction workers must be very vigilant regarding safety protocols.
Being prepared for hazardous situations is a must in this profession, and one thing you can do is to get in touch with a wrongful death lawyer while you’re still on the job, so that you know what to do in case of an accident. This lawyer can help you and your family get the compensation you need if something does happen.
Roofers
Roofers have one of the most dangerous jobs worldwide, with a high rate of fatalities and injuries due to falls from heights. In 2019, statistics showed that approximately one out of every five falls from heights was in construction work, with roofers making up a significant portion of it.
This job is even more dangerous because there are often no safety regulations enforced, leading to the lack of proper safety equipment or training that can lead to more frequent and severe falls.
Furthermore, unsafe properties such as defective ladders or unstable roofs cause an even higher risk for injury when combined with fewer protective measures taken while on the job. Fortunately, many governments are now taking steps to ensure safety protections on the worksite which should help make this job much safer in the future.
Firefighting
Firefighting can be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Firefighters are exposed to extreme temperatures, toxic fumes, and hazardous levels of heat that can have an adverse effect on their health. Furthermore, firefighting equipment such as ladders and hoses can weigh up to 15kg and exposes firefighters to slips and falls.
In recent years, an increase in workplace fatalities among firefighters has highlighted the importance of safety protocols in the industry. In contrast, research studies have suggested that long-term exposure to hazardous environmental working conditions leads to higher rates of cancer among firefighters than general public populations.
Regardless, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect properties and lives on a daily basis by having greater courage or even foolhardiness than most people possess.
The Bottom Line
Working in a variety of industries comes with inherent risks that can sometimes lead to tragedy if safety procedures aren’t followed correctly or if unforeseen circumstances occur during the job. The five occupations mentioned above present some of the most danger-filled roles worldwide; however, they are still incredibly important for our day-to-day lives, so we should all strive for better safety standards across all industry sectors! Understanding these risks helps us remain informed about how we can protect ourselves (and our colleagues) when carrying out daily tasks at work so that we can stay safe while doing our jobs!
