The potential for injuries is inevitable in any work field, but some pose more risks than others. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) determines the most dangerous jobs in the world based on fatality rates.
While some of these occupations are less common than others, even common careers place their workers in significant danger just by going through day-to-day operations. Whether you’re curious about the hazards of welding or common types of workplace airborne contaminants, explore the dangers of day-to-day operations of an oilfield worker or underwater welder as you learn more about the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Miners
The mining profession has significant hazards in day-to-day operations. Miners are at risk of explosions, chemical leaks, electrocution, and toxic fume exposure. The unique location of this profession also places miners at risk of cave-ins and fatal injuries from handling heavy loads.
Lumberjacks
We imagine lumberjacks as flannel-clad people towing axes, but the day-to-day operations of a real lumberjack are far more intimidating. The job of a lumberjack is not only to remove gigantic trees, but to operate the hefty machinery designed to cut them. Lumberjacks perform this duty while being suspended in the air with the risk of falling from extreme heights or experiencing mechanical issues.
Oilfield workers
Oilrig workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, both on and offshore. The height, load weight, and frequent handling of toxic pollutants and materials regularly place these workers at risk of injury or death. Accidents also occur when oilfield workers and extractors travel far distances between rigs.
Deep-sea fishers
Each day, fishers and fish-related workers are at risk of being a deadly catch themselves on the job. Deep-sea fishers expose themselves to the risks of open water, like extreme weather, wildlife interaction, and the ongoing risk of drowning without medical aid nearby.
Underwater welders
The concept of electricity and water combining for a career is unthinkable, but a reality for underwater welders. Welders who specialize in underwater welding work on repairing pipelines, ships, and dams that put them in danger of explosions, electrocution, and other types of differential pressure hazards.
Standard work injuries are inconvenient, but for some workers, the risk of injury is fatal. Even common jobs like trash collecting and grounds keeping put workers at risk of exposure to contaminants or threatening elements of nature. Understanding the severe risks of minor jobs is important to developing health and safety practices to keep workers safe and world industries operative.
