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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.