Would you risk your life on these dangerous jobs?

Going to work every day can be risky business, especially if you have one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK. Is it worth risking life and limb for a salary?

Some jobs are riskier than others. The most obvious of the dangerous jobs are in construction workers and in the field of public safety. Can you imagine what it must be like to be a bomb disposal expert? Surprisingly, sales people are rated as one of the top ten most dangerous jobs. We expect that this is because of the high stress levels.

In most cases, Dangerous Jobs such as those involving construction work are heavily regulated with safety measures. Also, there is some attempt by the state to protect employees from certain risk factors. This therefore decreases the risk factors for the employees involved. But some jobs are less regulated. Think of a farmer who operates heavy machinery to keep his or her farm working. Another example is an Uber driver. The risking their lives on the road daily to earn a living.

Research from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) advises that some of the most dangerous jobs are in the agriculture, construction, education, public administration and defence sectors.

The Most Dangerous Professions in the UK

1. Construction Workers

As mentioned previously, this is a risky industry and despite safety measures, the statistics about fatalities prove this. Between 2016 and 2017 30 people died whilst at work in the construction sector. Reasons for this include operation of heavy machinery and falls from heights. The strict safety measures which have been put in place have meant a 20% decrease in injuries over the last 7 years.

2. Farmers

Farmers are second on the list of most dangerous jobs, according to the information provided by the HSE. The risk factors of working with animals, operating heavy machinery and falling objects amongst other causes have resulted in 27 deaths over the 2016/17 period. There are other risk factors related to this type of work which affects workers health in various ways. Work related ailments related to stress and physical injury resulting from hard labour afflict many farmer workers.

3. Roofing and Scaffolding

Most workplace injury and deaths are because of falls. Of workplace deaths that occurred last year, 29% were related to falling in some way. Scaffolding is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United Kingdom. Despite precautions and safety measures, risk factors include falls from height and being hit by heavy objects.

4. Lorry Drivers

It is not a surprise that vehicle related incidents are in the top 5. As much as 20% of all work-related fatalities falls within the road accident category. Heavy road vehicle drivers are especially at risk. Long distance driving and fatigue are the major reason for these statistics. Other work-related afflictions include stress, obesity and hypertension and physical ailments due to long periods behind the wheel of the vehicle.

5. Waste Collection

Also related to operating heavy machinery on the road is the waste collection industry. This essential but deadly job has claimed a number of lives in the last year.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of your job, you can make a claim for injury compensation today. It has never been easier to find a personal injury solicitor to help you claim the compensation that you deserve.

Health and safety precautions are essential in all the above industries. Unfortunately, the most common reasons for perosnal injury and death in the workplace are still within these industries where heavy safety measures prevail. It is up to employers and employees to ensure that risk factors are minimized, and lives are spared. Over to you – do you think that the risk of doing dangerous jobs are worth the rewards? A personal decision indeed!