The Top Five Dangerous Jobs
High Risk Careers Like Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Truck Driving
Exactly what kinds of elements define a dangerous job? Basically, it's an occupation in which the risk of serious injury or death is constant, and the causes are as numerous as the jobs themselves. Those who put their lives on the line are often overlooked and are sometimes scorned by the public. This article takes a closer look at some dangerous jobs and the kind of work that is performed.
Police Officers
The men and women in blue patrol our streets to keep us safe and most of the time they do a pretty good job. However, in order to do that they must disarm dangerous criminals and sometimes a police officer's weapon will be used against him/her. The risk of getting shot, burned, beaten or run over by a criminal offender is exceedingly high for law enforcement officers. In some cases, a cop might never come home at all. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 186 police officers were killed in 2007.
Firefighters
They will go to extreme lengths to save a person's life and will risk burning themselves to do it. Whether a fire is caused naturally or by people is irrelevant. The main task is to put out the blaze. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, two poisonous gases, are inhaled by firefighters and is a risk inherent in the profession not to mention the danger of being crushed by debris coming down while in a burning building. If all of that doesn't persuade you to stay away from this job, consider the high rates of hypertension and cardiac arrests among firefighters. In January 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and USFA (U.S. Fire Administration) jointly reported that 107 firefighters died on the job in 2004.
Truck Drivers
Driving a big eighteen wheeler across the country might sound like a pretty good way to earn a living and this lifestyle has a romantic air about it. Living on the road, not having to answer to anybody and maintaining a peripatetic lifestyle are some perks. But there are some big risks involved, including road accidents. Lack of sleep and dangerous highway conditions are also hazardous factors.
Fishermen
The biggest danger you would face doing this job would be drowning and that's not a pleasant way to end your life, especially in the icy waters off the coast of Alaska. This job had the highest fatality rate in 2006. There were 141 deaths per 100,000 workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States. Could you stand being bossed around mercilessly, with the added risks of crushed fingers and toes? How about not sleeping for two straight days or even longer? Lack of sleep equals diminished concentration and stamina, which can lead to tragic results. Think about that the next time you tuck into some crab at a restaurant.
Loggers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics didn't paint a very rosy picture for logging crews either. There were 82 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2006. The equipment used such as chainsaws always pose a risk when not handled carefully and there is also the danger of falling trees. Working in bad weather or in isolated areas can also take a huge toll.
Most of the people who work in the professions listed above do so to carry on family traditions and to help their communities. Few of the men and women in these professions consider the financial rewards. Those who take these jobs for the money usually don't last long.
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