Everyone can probably share at least one instance where their job turned dangerous. Whether you’re stuck at a desk and your chair suddenly collapses or you’re a professional dog walker dealing with one furry friend who never wants to behave, all professions can come with potential hazards.
However, some jobs pose significant risks that can quickly turn life-threatening. Does this apply to your profession? Keep reading to find out if your job is ranked among the most dangerous.
Firefighters
Firefighters are often viewed as heroes, and for very good reasons. The fire department is who you call when flames start jumping out of outlets or an appliance suddenly starts smoking. If a cat or another type of animal gets stuck in a tree or down a hole, a firefighter is there to perform a seemingly miraculous rescue.
From responding to fires to providing emergency medical care and performing rescues, a firefighter always seems to be there. However, firefighters also face intense hazards like flames, building collapses, and smoke inhalation. In 2019, the National Fire Protection Association reported over 62,000 firefighter injuries.
Some of the injuries and medical conditions firefighters are at risk of developing include:
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- PTSD
- Burns
- Fractures
Construction Workers
Without construction workers, tents may still be more common than homes. Bridges, skyscrapers, roads, and basically anything else that requires some knowledge wouldn’t exist. Dating back to ancient times, think of the pyramids, construction workers have been the backbone of society.
As necessary as construction workers are for progress, they also face almost constant hazards. Even a simple job like laying a foundation can pose risks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 200,000 injuries in 2020. The same year also saw 1,061 fatal accidents in the construction industry.
Construction workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on job sites, which includes hard hats and safety harnesses when working at heights. Safety training is also a requirement, especially for construction workers operating heavy equipment.
However, even with rigid safety protocols, accidents can still occur and the injuries can range in severity. Some common injuries construction workers face include:
- Burns from equipment and electrical wires
- Falls from heights
- Injuries relating to electrocution
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Respiratory issues
- Hearing loss from loud equipment
Loggers
The logging industry isn’t as widespread as in previous decades, but it’s still going strong in some northern states. Loggers are responsible for harvesting trees, typically large ones, and this presents some unique hazards. Loggers also tend to work in more remote areas, and this can make it difficult for emergency personnel to reach them in the event of an accident.
Safety protocols are in place in the logging industry but this doesn’t eliminate all potential hazards. Falling trees and being injured by heavy equipment like chainsaws and logging trucks can occur. Loggers are also at risk of falling from heights, even when safety equipment like harnesses are being used.
Some of the common injuries that can occur during logging include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Amputations
- Being caught between heavy machinery
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Respiratory problems
Roofers
The next time you have your residential or commercial roof installed or repaired, remember to thank the roofers. This profession may not seem like it’s especially dangerous, beyond the accident fall, but there are plenty of hazards that can result in catastrophic injuries.
Along with falling off of roofs, other hazards include electrocution from power lines, exposure to hazardous materials, and even burns from hot tar. PPE is a requirement in the industry, but the protective equipment can’t prevent all injuries.
Along with experiencing musculoskeletal problems due to strenuous job demands, roofers are also at risk for:
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Respiratory disorders
Miners
Even with the push towards renewable energy, miners are still in demand. Not all miners are in coal mines, some work to extract ore, minerals, and even semi-precious stones. The turquoise mines in Arizona are an example.
Miners work primarily underground in potentially hazardous conditions. Even the best-fortified mine is still at risk of collapse. Along with cave-ins, explosions present another unique hazard. Miners are also exposed to dust, dirt, and potentially dangerous chemicals. Every day in a mine presents a set of challenges that can quickly turn into dangerous situations.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration reported over 4,500 nonfatal injuries in the mining industry in 2019. While PPE is helping to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries from accidents, incidents still occur. Some common injuries miners are at risk of developing include:
- Injuries from explosions and cave-ins
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Cuts
- Respiratory conditions like black lung disease
Police Officers
The police are always there when you need to report an accident or crime. Like firefighters, many people view police officers as heroes. However, their willingness to overlook their safety to help others also places them at risk.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported over 57,000 assaults against law enforcement officers in the US in 2020. Unfortunately, this number is also on the rise. Police officers face constant threats every time they put their uniforms on. These include assaults, vehicle accidents, and exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials. An example is an unauthorized drug lab.
Along with an array of bodily injuries, police officers can also experience PTSD. Safety measures are constantly being updated to help reduce injury rates, but violence against police officers is still increasing each year.
Fishermen
You may not think of fishing as a particularly dangerous occupation, but severe accidents can happen. Serious accidents are more common in open water; you’re pretty safe tossing a line in on the shore. Some hazards fishermen face include hypothermia, drowning, and being hit by heavy equipment. The hard work can also cause musculoskeletal issues over time.
Your Legal Rights if You’re Injured on the Job
If you suffer an injury at work, it’s important to understand that you may have the right to receive compensation for your damages. This compensation can cover various aspects, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
To navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation laws and ensure that your rights are fully protected, contacting an attorney who specializes in this area is a wise decision. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can provide detailed information about your legal rights, guide you through the claim process, and help you secure the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
