10 Most Dangerous Jobs
Part 3 of 3
We are counting down the Ten Most Dangerous Jobs in the country based on recent data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These 10 jobs have the highest risk of fatality in the country as demonstrated by the number of fatalities per 100,000 employees.
People always say that you can take all the safety precautions that you can but accidents happen to the most unlikely of people and at the most inopportune times. Still, safety and safety precautions are non-negotiable in any industry. So to boost our safety knowledge in these industries where the risk of accidents and fatalities is high, let’s find out what makes the jobs dangerous and what risks these workers face every day.
4. Structural iron and steel workers
FATALITY RATE: 45.5
Structural iron and steel workers are responsible for building the framework and support of buildings, bridges and other major structures. They work at great heights, handling and hoisting heavy equipment. Falling from heights is a serious hazard that these workers face, as attested by the fact that most of the fatalities in this industry are caused by fall related injuries.
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
FATALITY RATE: 70.7
Although not as physically demanding as the other jobs in our list, aircraft pilots and flight engineers belong to the third most dangerous profession in the country because of the number of risks that come with the job. Flying planes already entail a number of risks and the jobs the pilots take on add to the already dangerous environment. Crop dusters and air taxis (the smaller planes) count as some of the aircraft most likely to crash. Crop dusters for instance, are exposed to toxic chemicals while spraying a field. They also seldom have the benefit of a regular landing strip and must often take off and land at a higher risk than an aircraft that has the benefit of a fully functional strip.
2. Logging workers
FATALITY RATE: 86.4
One of the main causes of deaths for loggers is getting hit by falling objects. Loggers work outdoors and handle heavy equipment, oftentimes even in poor weather. The job entails a mix of strenuous activities like climbing and lifting and the area where they work usually isn’t hazard free at all. Hazardous conditions are also rife in forests and farms. Workers are always at risk of getting injured, some of the usual accidents include falling branches hitting workers and even tripping on vines and slippery terrain.
1. Fishers and related fishing workers
FATALITY RATE: 111.8
Fishermen literally risk their lives every year during the king crab season on the coasts of Alaska. This usually falls during the autumn and winter season but the actual hauling time when fishermen are allowed to catch crabs usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. During this time fishermen are exposed to the extreme weather condition coupled with the freezing and violently unpredictable waters of the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Workers handle nets and cages that weigh several hundred pounds. Under these conditions and the physical demands of the job, the list of risks and hazards is endless.
Every job, no matter how big or small, simple or complicated usually has its own risks. The most effective way of preventing accidents, injuries and fatalities is by understanding the hazards that come with the job. Once they have been identified, a solution should be the next target.
Take all the safety precautions that you can to minimize, if not totally avoid, injuries and fatalities. Make sure that all the employees are provided with the proper PPE and undergo required safety training and refresher courses. Let’s all actively do our part to make our workplace safe.