The Most Dangerous Jobs in the World

Work normally comes with its risks, but for these roles, the danger is ever-present. Learn about the most dangerous jobs in the world.

For most of us, work isn’t something that brings the connotations of ‘danger’ to mind. That’s because, for the most part, many of us are workers who are in an environment with fairly low risks. Offices are pretty much considered safe, all be it with their health and safety risks, but the most dangerous jobs in the world don’t take place in an office. Sure, the right training like chainsaw handling and confined space training exist, but for some jobs, the risks are ever present – even with the right training.

In this post, you’ll find out about the most dangerous jobs in the world. Whilst most of them provide training, it can only do so much to minimize the risks – and without it, the roles would be considered much more dangerous. Here’s our list of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world.

10) Grounds Maintenance Workers

Working with sharp rotating blades, managing the upkeep of grounds and general landscaping maintenance, these workers land the 10^th spot on the list for the most dangerous job in the world. Not only is it the dangerous equipment involved, but it’s also the chemicals they work with. Many weed killing and other chemicals used on grounds can be deadly for humans. With the addition of lawnmowers, chainsaws, and strimmers, it’s no wonder this job is on the list.

9) Supervisors of Construction Workers

Overseeing construction workers is at 9^th on our list. The title itself doesn’t seem like it would carry any risks or danger, but the reality is that it does. Whether it is sometimes extreme temperatures of climates, working at height or working with hazardous equipment, this role has its risks. Whilst it may seem like the risks would be ever more present for the workers, according to Time magazine, the supervisory role carries more injuries and fatalities.

8) Farmers and other Agricultural Workers

At number 8 are farmers and other agricultural workers. Working with animals, heavy machinery and other tools can cause injuries and death in the workplace. Animals, such as horses can sometimes be unpredictable and can cause fatal injuries for those working around them. As for machinery, there are tractors and other machinery with sharp rotating blades that can be fatal if not handled properly. The same goes for tools as well – they can be dangerous if not handled with safety and care.

7) Truck and Other Drives

7^th on our list is truck drivers and other divers too. It’s ever apparent that road traffic collisions and incidents occur daily. But the risks are significantly minimal for those not always on the road. However, as this role consists of driving most of the time, the risks of collisions and crashes are significantly increased. Add weather conditions that can affect road safety and even tiredness that can impede workers, it’s clear why these roles have made it into the top 10.

6) Iron and Steel Workers

Whilst we spoke of supervisors of construction workers, the risks are similar for iron and steel workers too – hence, the 6^th spot in the top 10. Whilst all the risks of working with hazardous equipment, extreme temperatures and working at height, there’s also the increased risk of injury and fatality due to the nature of the work. Welding, steel vibrations and toxins all increase the risks of this role, making it the 6^th most dangerous job in the world.

5) Refuse and Recycling Collectors

5^th on our list is the role of refuse and recycling collection. It’s clear to see that those working on the road may be at risk, especially when they are alongside traffic with no protection. As for the collection trucks, they’re made up of heavy machinery, with powerful mechanisms capable of crushing tonnes of waste – the injuries caused by this can be serious or fatal. It’s unsurprising that this is ranked so high, due not only to the number of workers in this industry but the daily task of the waste collection which means the risks are significantly increased.

4) Roofers

Working on rooftops carries its own risks, which is why it’s the 4^th most dangerous job in the world. Statistically, with the number of roofers, there are in the world, this will be one of the most dangerous jobs. Daily, these hard workers scale on the top of buildings and risk falling from the height as well as injury from the tools they use. It’s a dangerous profession and can fall can be fatal or severe – sometimes these workers have no safety equipment to secure them to the roof.

3) Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

3^rd on our list are the roles of pilots and flight engineers. The risks when operating an aircraft are apparent. Managing such a technical vehicle, of course, requires a lot of training, but when it fails the outcome can sometimes be deadly. As for engineers working, the risks include fixing machinery that has sharp rotating blades, electrical equipment as well as working around flammable substances too. Combining all of this, it’s apparent why these roles have landed at number 3.

2) Deep Sea Fisherman

At number 2, we have deep sea fisherman. Battling the sea, extreme weather conditions and temperatures, the risks of severe or fatal injuries are ever present. Falling into the sea and drowning, hypothermia – these are just some of the conditions that can lead to death or illness.

1) Logging Workers

Finally, the most dangerous job in the world goes to logging workers. Interacting with sharp equipment and falling trees, it’s no wonder the risks are highly imminent. Fatal injuries are really high in this injury especially, carrying some of the highest fatal injury rates per 100,000 persons in the world.

It’s important to have the right workplace training in place, in order to minimize potential risks for workers, keeping them safe.