Most careers in America involve labor, transportation, manufacturing, office work, or customer service. They are the heart and soul of American industry. However, some people work highly unorthodox jobs that are incredibly dangerous. Usually the more dangerous the job, the higher the remuneration, but this is not always the case. Many hard-working Americans risk their lives each day to bring home a paycheck to their families.
Most Dangerous Jobs in America
Environmental Chemist/ Environmental Technician
Although this industry is focused primarily on safety and proper transportation of hazardous materials, there is a great deal of risk involved in many of the jobs that you are responsible for. Environmental chemists identify and classify hazardous waste, and arrange for its transportation to designated facilities. Often times you are dealing with unknown materials that could be explosive, and there are many accidents that occur around America on a daily basis. You can never be too sure what a scientist has placed into his waste container, and when you process it later on in the day, you could be in for an explosive and corrosive surprise. So, if you are working in this industry, always wear PPC, and keep yourself safe.
Fisherman
Fishermen have some of the most labor intensive and dangerous jobs, because of the adverse weather conditions that could arise and constant danger on the main deck. Not to mention that proper medical attention is hard to come by when you are aboard a vessel. Fishermen are paid based on how much they catch, so lack of sleep is commonplace since you want to make as much money as possible while you are out. You need to keep your head on a swivel, as improper awareness could lead to heavy consequences.
Roofers
We’ve all heard stories about roofers falling on the job, and when you are working at a high altitude, this could be fatal. Roofing is dangerous because of the risk of fractures, strains, and sprains, as well as the constant risk of losing your footing and plummeting to a serious or fatal injury. As a whole, construction jobs are dangerous professions, and you have to be tough to survive the daily responsibilities. You are almost guaranteed some degree of injury in your career as a roofer.
Police Officer
This one is a no-brainer, because police officers are responsible for dealing with any situation that is against the law. This could mean facing a shooter, or even an unruly suspect who is resisting arrest. Police officers put their lives on the line every day. The risk of a fatal injury is always present, because you never know what kind of situation you might be thrown into. There is also the risk of traffic related accidents, since most police officers spend the majority of their time on the road.
Loggers
Logging is one of the most dangerous jobs you could ever do, because not only are your facilities based in remote forests with limited medical attention, but also there is a constant risk of being struck or pinned by flying branches or rolling logs. There is no perfect science to logging, so every time you report to work there is margin for error. Also, this job is labor intensive, so you constantly run the risk of injuring muscles, ligaments, or bones. If you are considering a career in the logging industry, you need to be aware of your surroundings and be careful. It’s similar to fishing in the sense that you never know what dangers lay ahead, because each day is different and equally as dangerous.
Many Americans have the privilege of working in a safe environment, and organizations like OSHA have brought awareness and accountability to worker safety and best practices. However, there are some jobs that are dangerous even with the most stringent regulations or policies. If you decide to pursue a career in one of these industries, just be aware and stay safe. If your primary focus is safety, you stand a good chance of retaining your health for a longer duration. So, get out there and earn your paycheck, but keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings—your life could depend on it.
Matthew Welch
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