For new aspirants, there are thousands of career options to choose from. From labor-intensive careers to management roles, the options are unlimited. However, because of the nature of work, some jobs pose a higher risk of long-term health issues and fatalities compared to others.
These high-risk jobs not only compromise the safety of their workers but also have more tremendous social implications. Workplace safety is a glaring issue worldwide, and considering around 5,500 fatal work injuries were reported in the U.S. in 2022, safety hazards are becoming an epidemic.
In this article, we will discuss the top occupations globally that pose the most significant safety hazards to workers.
Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Contrary to popular belief, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Whether they are growing crops, dairy, poultry, or cattle, workers face many hazards and risks. These include hazardous chemical exposure, machinery accidents, animal attacks, and extreme weather conditions. Lastly, prolonged pesticide exposure and other chemicals may lead to respiratory and skin diseases.
Some of the most common causes of fatalities in agriculture include heavy machinery accidents, tractor overturns, falls from heights, and livestock attacks. Farmers must wear PPE gear, follow safety protocols, be vigilant of their surroundings, and take breaks to prevent fatigue.
Truck Drivers
The long working hours and workload of truck drivers result in fatigue and irregular sleep patterns, impacting reaction time and increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is no surprise that there were more than half a million truck accidents across the U.S.
A semi-truck flipped over in Edwardsville a few months ago, causing traffic disruption. While no one was endangered in the accident, accidents like these cause shock, vulnerability, and even loss of wages for the truck driver because of the damage to the vehicle.
In the above case, if there was a fatality or a victim, an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer could help the victim navigate the law and get fair compensation from the responsible party. It could be a victim of the accident suing the driver or the driver suing the company for demanding conditions.
According to TorHoerman Law, victims can file lawsuits for emotional trauma and financial strain. In addition to legal aid, drivers have strict safety regulations to protect their interests. These include hours-of-service rules and mandatory rest breaks to combat fatigue. However, the enforcement and compliance of these regulations continue to be challenging.
Iron and Steel Workers
A recent study revealed that the iron and steel industry witnessed an 11.1% increase in fatal injuries over the last ten years. Iron and steel workers deal with extreme conditions daily, such as furnace heat, heavy object handling, and heavy machinery operations.
Iron and steel workers are also at risk of developing long-term health complications like respiratory issues because of the constant exposure to hazardous substances like gases, chemicals, and metal dust. To mitigate these risks, workers must wear protective gear like heat-resistant clothing, helmets, gloves, and safety goggles.
Flight Engineers and Pilots
Flight engineers and pilots ensure the safe operation of an aircraft by monitoring or managing complex aircraft systems during flight. They are required to troubleshoot malfunctions, communicate with pilots, and provide assistance in emergencies.
These professionals are trained to interpret flight data, weather reports, and air traffic control instructions to make split-second decisions during the flight. Statistics show that up to 80% of all aviation accidents are caused by human errors.
They are constantly exposed to various hazards and risks, such as low oxygen levels, fatigue from long flying hours, radiation exposure, terrorism, and more. The most common causes of fatalities include crashes, in-flight medical emergencies, exposure to harmful gases, mechanical failure, etc.
These are the careers with the highest safety hazards worldwide and a glaring reality check that highlights the significant risks faced by workers in various industries. If you are considering pursuing a career in either of these occupations, look for a workplace committed to its workers’ safety.
As for the employers, it’s morally imperative to prioritize workplace safety in these occupations. To reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities, it’s crucial to maintain ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards. Employers must conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement preventive measures at work.