Top Ten Most Dangerous Jobs
Professional hazards are a harsh reality of life that has to be accepted at face value. There are jobs that are considered dangerous by most people. Some of the dangerous jobs toping the list are:
- The job of timber cutters and loggers is thirty times more dangerous than regular jobs. Their job includes cutting, moving and shaping heavy lumber. Fatality rate for timber cutters and loggers is 118 people per 100,000 people that are unusually high. Moreover cuts, lacerations, sprains, torn ligaments and ruptured muscles are a frequent phenomenon that may result in permanent of temporary disability. These seem to be unavoidable even when all precautionary measures have been taken.
- Fishermen and crabbers working in seas operate in a dangerous environment. Since the crabbing season lasts for a couple of weeks only they are strained out. Knuckles and knees are broken regularly while handling the heavy crab cages. Heavy machinery and greasy decks can lead to broken ribs and busted feet. A man on the deck in the crabbing season is exposed to the same level of danger, as he would be in the stormy sub zero conditions. Fatality rate for fishermen and crabbers is 87 people per 100,000.
- Commercial pilots also have a very dangerous job where even a lose bolt can easily lead to disaster. Pilots of smaller aircrafts and bush pilots are at an increased risk. Fatality rate for pilots is 70 deaths per 100,000. Most accidents and mishaps in air travel occur due to weather changes and extreme weather conditions.
- Construction workers who have to walk on narrow beams at heights have a higher probability of losing their lives. Accidents can and do occur despite all safety measures. Construction workers are faced with danger while working with heavy equipment and steel and while grinding, welding and buffing metal. Fatality rate for construction workers is 48 workers per 100,000.
- Refuse collectors and those working with recyclable materials are exposed to chemical, biological, mechanical and physical threats. There is very high risk of explosion from an old battery and being exposed to various diseases.
- Farmers and ranchers previously had animals. But they now have to operate heavy machinery. Even though precautionary and safety measures are adopted accidents happen at regular frequencies. Tractors and harvesters are the main reason behind non-highway accidents.
- Electric power line installers work with high voltage lines that are high above the ground. They are thus faced with the dual risk of taking a fall and being electrocuted. Their job also includes erecting heavy transmission towers that is very dangerous. Labor covers activities such as soldering, brazing metals, flouropolymers and working with allergy causing metals. Electric power line installers are reported to have 3330 fatalities every 10,000.
- Roofers are also exposed to unusual dangers not faced by conventional jobs. They may fall from slippery roofs, slopes, scaffoldings and ladders leading to severe accidents that may result in broken bones, head damage and temporary or permanent disability. Roofers have to deal with flammable and toxic materials work near live electric wire and handle unsafe materials such as solvents, tar, pitch and asbestos. Roofers have to work in uncomfortable environments and lift heavy weights. Their fatality rate is 35 deaths per 100,000 workers.
- Drivers carrying goods and livestock are usually in a hurry so as to be in time. They spend time unusually long time on highways and increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers are reported to have 28 fatalities per 100,000.
- Cab drivers and chauffeurs who carry wealthy clients and cash not only face the risk of accidents but also the risk of being robbed. They work alone until late at night increasing risk of being mugged or attacked. Fatality rate for cabbies is 24 per 100,000.