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Occupational injuries range from the very mild, which can essentially heal on their own with minimal intervention from physicians, to the potentially life-threatening that require days or even weeks of hospital stay. While these incidents are rarer than they used to be in the past as a result of more stringent rules and regulations regarding safety and operational protocols. However, work incidents have not been entirely eliminated, and they can still cause a lot of trouble for workers from all over the world, with some instances resulting in permanent disability.
Work-related injuries take many forms and can range from lung or liver damage resulting from work with chemicals to noise stress, back pain, and metabolic syndrome in office workers who don’t get the minimum amount of body movement on a daily basis. However, there are some jobs that are considerably more dangerous than others and which carry a larger likelihood of employees becoming seriously injured.
Logging
Logging is the process of cutting and moving trees to a designated location as they await further transportation. Sometimes, on-site processing is involved as well, and it makes sense that working with very heavy things such as machinery and trees means that loggers face significant dangers every single day. Falling objects, exposure to extreme temperatures, and equipment-related hazards are among the most likely causes of injury, meaning that workers need to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. While being a little absent-minded could perhaps be excused in other jobs and industries, it can come with dire consequences for loggers, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
You should always have the right safety gear readily available for use and receive instructions on how to put it on correctly. This includes a hard hat, protective eyewear, and steel-toed boots, items that can prevent you from being injured or at least minimise the amount of health damage you could sustain. If your employer has failed to provide you with the right equipment and you become injured as a result of their negligence, you are entitled to compensation. You can learn more about how to sue a company by talking to expert solicitors. They can guide you through the intricacies of the process and help you put all your evidence together so that you get the maximum payout you deserve based on the specifics of your case.
Fishing
Being surrounded by open waters as far as the eye can see can sound like the beginning of a luxurious vacation on a cruise boat or yacht, but it is also the daily life of fishermen who have to deal with unpredictable weather patterns, treacherous seas, and the possibility of capsizing. The working hours are typically long, and the tasks tend to be fairly demanding physically, making fishing one of the most perilous jobs on the planet. According to research, unethical practices such as forced labour have also been documented in the production of fish and other seafood products in no fewer than twenty countries. Some workers report that their supervisors were unwilling to seek medical help after they became injured.
Things can be even more complicated in the case of migrant fishers, who often report verbal and physical abuse from employers as well. Reporting these incidents is the only way to create healthier work environments, while global supply chains and distribution companies should also push for more transparent practices that hold producers accountable.
Waste collectors
Statistics consistently show that waste collectors are among the workers doing the most dangerous jobs in the world. Risks mainly come from being in contact with hazardous materials and substances like medical waste, broken glass, asbestos, and caustic chemicals. Smoke, dust, pests, traffic accidents, and the sheer presence of unpleasant smells that are so potent that they can make employees physically sick are some of the other factors that make waste collecting a difficult job. In some cases, employees can also be injured by heavy objects falling out of overloaded containers, and have a hard time manoeuvring the trucks in busy traffic, leading to collisions.
Agricultural workers
Agriculture is the sector that ensures everyone has access to food products, and the fact that it is an essential aspect of society means that the threats workers face in this environment often fade into the background. There are numerous risks that come with working in this environment, including exposure to dangerous pesticides and heavy machinery accidents. Farmworkers are often working in harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause heat exhaustion, or the more serious heatstroke, a condition that can be fatal if left untreated. The increasing likelihood of extreme heat waves due to global warming and changes in weather patterns make heatstroke a growing threat to the health and well-being of employees.
Moreover, chronic damage to the skin can also occur after years of prolonged exposure. The proximity to large animals comes with additional risks, such as trampling, or the exposure to pathogens. For instance, some workers can be exposed and become infected with anthrax as a result of handling animals.
Roofers
A roofer is an individual whose job is to install roofs as well as maintain and repair existing ones. They work at great heights, meaning that the most likely accidents involve falls and slips. Without the adequate safety measures in place, such incidents often have catastrophic consequences. Exposure to dangerous substances like adhesives and lead increases the likelihood of chronic respiratory complaints and acute poisoning. Working near power lines comes with the additional risk of electric shock, a debilitating event. Weather-related injuries are also common among roofers, as they often have to work in extreme heat, rain, cold, or wind.
The most dangerous jobs, with the highest potential of severe injuries, are also among the most crucial for society. Continuous improvement is crucial so that all workers can benefit from fair, ethical, and safe work practices and conditions. This is the only way to create a work culture that makes the safety and well-being of the employees a top priority. Interested in these jobs? Perform a salary check and explore our career advice pages.