Everything in life carries a risk. Some jobs, though, are a bit more dangerous than others. There are a handful of occupations that are notoriously dangerous, putting workers at regular risk. Some of these jobs compensate employees quite well, while others pay less than one might imagine. If you are in one of these fields, it’s a good idea to know what your rights are as an employee.
Fishing
The most dangerous career in the United States is typically that of a professional fisherman. Fishing boats are notoriously dangerous, both because of the weather and the presence of heavy equipment. Add to that incredibly long hours, the hazards of dealing with wildlife and (sometimes) lax attitudes towards the safety of those involved and one can easily understand why working in or around the fishing industry is so dangerous.
Logging
Much like fishing, logging is dangerous by its very nature. The sheer amount of heavy equipment, coupled with the danger of working with trees, means that the loss of life and limb in this industry can be astounding. While logging does tend to be well-regulated, there are all too many cases in which loggers are injured due to negligence or recklessness.
Refuse Collection
The life of a garbage collector is not easy. While the job does tend to offer fair compensation, the working conditions are often quite dangerous. Individuals in this field not only deal with heavy equipment and long hours, but they also must deal with both factors in traffic. The addition of possibly hazardous materials causes any potential accidents to become far more serious than they otherwise might be. Collecting garbage or recycling materials is always something that should be done with great care after proper training.
Trucking
Driving a truck can be very dangerous. Even when one takes the fact that the average truck weighs several tons out of the equation, truckers still spend a significant time on very dangerous roads. Depending on the conditions, some drivers may even be forced to drive on roads that simply were not meant for their vehicles. Trucking is also an industry that is heavily time-dependent, and some unscrupulous companies push their drivers to drive past the point of exhaustion. Even those who drive safely are often at risk of being injured through repetitive motions or from the strain of driving a massive vehicle for several hours at a time.
The most dangerous careers in America are varied, but they all share one thing in common – proper attention and care by the owners and management can greatly reduce the risks. While some risks are inherent, that does not mean that workers must simply accept all injuries as a fact of life. No matter how dangerous your job, it is important that you are as safe as possible and that you receive the care you deserve. If you have been injured on the job, don’t just chalk it up to being in a dangerous field – make sure to call an attorney at Cannon & Dunphy, S.C. to find out more about your rights today.