There are dangerous jobs and there are the most dangerous jobs in the world. On a daily basis, people go to work to earn a living while also placing their lives at numerous risk.
No matter the nature of your job – whether you are flying a plane, driving a truck, working construction, or working as a chef, risk can arise from diverse and unknown sources.
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However, some jobs are more hazardous than the rest in all spheres. How do you determine the dangers of lying in a job? This can be observed through the fatality rate and analysis of the modus operandi. In accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you consider the fatality rate of a job by taking a record of the number of deaths per 100,000 full-time workers.
The latter method ensures the correct, proper, and fair representation of all professions, disregarding the size and body length of workers in the industry. For that reason, we have compiled the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world. Number 10 will shock you.
Table of Contents
10 Most Dangerous Jobs in the World
Below is a comprehensive list of the most dangerous jobs in the world. This is to give you a detailed insight into what you should know and expect from these jobs.
1. Logging Workers
There is something scarier than bringing down a heavy and tall tree; that is operating the machine used to do this. The job hazard is seen when one will have to control and operate the machine while suspended in the air for a couple of minutes or, perhaps hours.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report in 2022, logging workers have the highest death rate with over 80 death cases per 100,000 full-time workers reported in 2021. This is a bit lower than the over 90 cases reported in 2020. However, most of these deaths occurred from equipment errors and falling from trees.
2. Trash and Recycling Collectors
The average salary of a waste worker is about $40,000 annually. Some make $100,000 or more, usually based on how well they work. They make that amount by taking out dirt and waste in the street. Thus, they place their own lives at risk of hazardous diseases by handling stinky refuse and discharges.
Trash and recycling collectors are undoubtedly one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They are everywhere- making up the 5th position among jobs in this category in the United States.
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no less than 30 deaths per 100,000 workers were recorded in 2021. This is lower than the 35 cases recorded in 2020. Most deaths occur from falling off trucks, accidents with machines, and getting hit by vehicles while at work. This, undoubtedly, is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
3. Underground Minning Machine Operators
Underground mining machine operators are responsible for handling the machine used to load and move materials like coal, ore, rocks and others from one point to another. Some of these machines may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scrappers or scoops, or machines equipped with gathering aims and conveyors.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, underground mining machine operators recorded about 30 fatal injuries and death cases in 2021. This is higher than the over 30 death cases recorded in 2020. The median wage for underground mining machine operators in 2022 stands at $64,180 annually. This is according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics report.
4. Oilfield Workers
No one would imagine oil riggers to be facing such high risks while at their place of work. However, the deepwater horizon explosion and oil spill that occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico will forever remind the world of 11 oil workers who lost their lives at the spot. This sad occurrence made it clear that oil rigging, is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Some things that expose these workers to risk include heavy equipment, heights, and many other dangerous materials. The most amazing part is that the greatest cause of death for extraction and oil labourers happens to be vehicle crashes. In addition to that, fatigue and long unsafe travels on diverse rigs are the basic reasons why these accidents occur.
5. Roofers
Do you ever think of what those roofers do at the top of your house? These people expose themselves to various risks and hazards. One of the major risks is falling off from the top of a building which can result in instant death. Hence, it is no surprise this job falls among the most dangerous.
In accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not less than a hundred workers die annually from falling off the top of a building while fixing the roof. This can further be said to be a usual thing in the industry. Sadly, falling from roofs happens to be one-third of all fall-related construction deaths that occurred between 1992 and 2009.
6. Veterinary Doctors
It is no doubt that animal infections, bites, and illnesses can be of great harm to veterinary doctors. However, in Australia, what plagues most veterinarians is mental health. Following the release from the Australian Veterinary Association, these populations of workers are at higher risk of committing suicide. This is due to emotional hardships, high stress, financial strain, and many other work-related factors.
7. Deep-Sea Fishermen
The Deadliest Catch did not become a popular show for entertainment alone, there are other factors involved. The risk of an adventurer dying at sea is very high. This is why it naturally gets the attention of the TV audience. Fishermen and all other sea-related workers ranked second amongst those in the most dangerous occupation.
Records from the Bureau of Labor Statistics made it known that fishermen face a lot of unexpected and unplanned occurrences on the open waters. While they are far away from medical aid, they get to gamble their lives with treasure-seeking- a slight accident or miscalculation can lead to bereavement. Just as you would then expect, the highest cause of death in this occupation is drowning.
8. Structural iron and steelworkers
Swinging objects, heights, collapsing walls, steel beams, and electrical lines are some of the few elements that make this job somewhat risky and hazardous to human life. Steelworkers and structural iron rank as the fourth most dangerous job across the globe having about 37 fatalities out of 100,000 working- Bureau of Labour Statistics reports.
Falls can also be said to be another major cause of death in this field. Muscle strains, cuts, burn and broken burns are accountable for most injuries.
9. Aircraft pilot and flight engineers
Over the decades, commercial airline safety has highly improved in diverse ways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50 aircraft navigators from small aircraft- rural pilots and air taxis inclusive- reportedly lost their lives in 2021. This is higher than the 40 cases per 1000,000 workers recorded in 2020. Turbulent weather, human error, and mechanical failure account for most deaths of many flight engineers and aircraft pilots.
10. Bull riders
Very popular in Australia and the United States, bull riding is a continuously growing sport that has caught the heart of many viewers with the best, most professional, and highly trained bull riders. Also regarded as rodeo sport, this kind of sport has a very high rate of deaths while also raking out a lot million to the riders.
A six-year Australian study makes it known that bull riding is becoming more injurious and hazardous to health. Most wounds from this game occur on the brain, limbs, and chest. Now, you understand why it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. So if you want to change your career, we have this well-written article for you.
What Makes These Jobs the Most Dangerous?
After deeply observing each of these jobs, it is important to look through what makes each of them dangerous in their way; you will find this below.
- Logging Workers- operating highly sophisticated machines while you hang in the air for long minutes makes the job dangerous.
- Trash and recycling collectors- these people pick up the environmental waste and dispose them to give us sound health while risking their own health to make this possible.
- Underground Minning Machine Operators- handling complex machines used in minnig which are quite dangerous.
- Oilfield workers- oil leaks are an occurrence that could result in a fire outbreak; if an oil worker does not get exposed to injuries from heavy equipment, the former is yet another risk.
- Roofers- falls are some of the most dangerous accidents that lead to instant death; roofers are more exposed to this hazard than any other kind of person.
- Veterinary Doctors- being exposed to diverse animal diseases, infections, as well as financial stains, is a whole lot of danger on the side of a veterinary doctor.
- Deep-sea fishermen- fishermen usually sail long distances far away from the shores of the sea- usually with no compass. This is dangerous as they get exposed to wavy waters that could capsize their boat and sink their sailing.
- Structural iron and steel workers- Swinging objects, heights, collapsing wall as, steel beams and electrical lines are some of the things that makes this job dangerous.
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers- these people get in the cloud way far above the earth, and any mechanical failure in the machine leads to crashing; which subsequently claims lives.
- Bull Riders- riding on animals alone is dangerous, riding an animal with tough horns becomes more difficult.
Precautionary Methods of Carrying Out Such Jobs
Since one cannot avoid hazards and risks at work- it is present in all jobs, regarding the nature- one can still limit the rate at which it results in premature death. This can only be made possible through safety measures as outlined below.
- Your safety is your personal responsibility.
- Always follow the correct procedures.
- Never take shortcuts.
- Take responsibility and clean up if you made a mess.
- Clean and organize your workspace.
- Ensure a clear and easy route to emergency exits and equipment.
- Be alert and awake on the job.
- Be attentive at all times to your work surroundings.
- When in doubt, contact your supervisor or manager for instruction, guidance, or training.
- Never take risks when it comes to safety.
- Obey safety signs, stickers, and tags.
- Take short breaks when you keep up a repetitive motion for an extended period of time and sit, stand, or walk with good posture.
- Report serious injuries immediately to a supervisor and get emergency assistance.
- Keep things in perspective. Hazards may be limitless, so focus on the most likely risks first.
The safety of all should be the significant concern everyone should chase. While hazards and dangers are inevitable at work, it is important to know that we can limit the rate of deaths by taking to proper precautions and safety measures. Safety awareness helps you see what is right and communicate it properly with your coworkers- thereby keeping all safe.
This was an eye-opening read! I had no idea how perilous some jobs could really be. It’s crazy to think about the risks that so many brave individuals take on a daily basis. Thank you for highlighting these dangerous professions!