Most people can go to work without the fear of experiencing a personal injury accident. While any working environment can come with its unique risks, including a regular office, some industries are more dangerous than others. You may get a papercut or trip over a wire at an office, whereas if you work in construction, you have the hazards of working at height or with machinery.
The majority of workplaces are safe, and accidents are only likely to lead to minor injuries. However, dangerous jobs can cause accidents that lead to ever-lasting severe injuries or even death. That's why employers and employees need to take responsibility and follow health and safety regulations at all times to keep themselves and others safe.
Hutcheon Law is a specialist law firm based in the United Kingdom. With solicitors experienced in fatal accident claims and motorbike accident claims, they offer advice and compensation claims for people who've been injured in an accident due to someone else's actions. As experts on the subject of accidents at work, Hutcheon Law has provided us with this article highlighting some of the most dangerous types of careers that you can pursue.
Farming
The agriculture industry is understood to be one of the United Kingdom's most dangerous sectors. Whenever annual fatality lists are released, farming is usually at the very top. The risk is most significant for farmworkers who are primarily based on the farm. The job will usually involve growing crops, looking after livestock, and collecting dairy. Farmers will often use heavy machinery and vehicles for transportation, which increases the risk of an accident occurring. Working with animals can lead to unexpected and dangerous situations.
Refuse Collection
Collecting and disposing of garbage waste is not a glamourous or high-paying job, but it's certainly essential. The same can also apply to people collecting and recycling materials. There are a few hazards that exist for waste collectors. As it is a job on the road, workers may get hit by a waste truck or another vehicle. Machinery is often used to load and process waste, so workers can sustain serious injuries if something goes wrong. Daily, collectors will be handling the waste belonging to strangers. Bins can contain harmful substances such as needles, chemicals and flammable liquids.
Lorry Drivers
Vehicle-related careers can be hazardous due to the risks of driving a car or truck, including the unexpected actions of other road users. As a truck driver, you will usually be involved in transporting goods across the country. This task will include risks associated with loading and unloading goods, such as the use of lifting equipment. The most considerable risk, however, involves driving the truck itself. Trucks are challenging vehicles to operate due to their size, weight and blind spots. A lot of accidents can also occur when drivers carry out their duties without taking regular breaks. To ensure safety on the roads and reduce costly liability claims, GPS fleet tracking software has become an invaluable tool for those who rely on trucks as part of their daily lives.
Electrical & Plumbing
Installing or fixing electrical and plumbing systems can be dangerous, even for the most experienced workers. The most apparent risk is electrocution, but this isn't as common as you may think. A lot of accidents involve falling from heights or tripping over objects. If asbestos is present in the property, you may also be exposed to the dangerous consequences if an item containing the material is damaged.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is a crucial sector at the very heart of any county's economy and day-to-day operations. Manufacturing involves using machines and equipment, many of which can be dangerous, to produce finished products such as consumer goods, medications and electronics. As well as the use of heavy machinery, slips and trips are two of the most common accidents that can happen to workers. There is also the risk of working with hazardous materials and uncontrolled fires.
Construction
If you were to ask someone what they think is the most dangerous industry to work in, this would likely be the first answer you would receive. Construction sites are often filled with countless amounts of hazards, so access is usually limited, and safety signs are put in place. Construction can include a wide range of jobs, including builders, roofers, and scaffolders. Most accidents typically involve heavy machinery or falling from height. While scaffolding is installed to make this line of work much safer, the process can be perilous if suitable measures are not followed or something goes wrong.
Commercial Fishing
Fishers are key workers that play such a vital role in our society. Their actions help to produce food, boost the supply chain and reduce seafood waste. While you may not think so, being a fisherman can be a dangerous job. As with other jobs mentioned in this article, commercial fishing usually involves heavy machinery and special equipment. Powered hand tools and sharp blades are of particular concern. The most significant risk comes when fishers are out at sea during stormy weather. They may fall off the boat and drown, or the ship may capsize, leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean.
If you find any of the above careers interesting, don't let this article scare you off! While these professions are some of the most dangerous around, they are still essential for our society and can lead to rewarding and thrilling experiences. We hope that this article has informed you of the risks of certain career choices so that you know what to expect.
Whatever career path you decide to go down, make sure that your employer safeguards your health and safety as a number one priority. Government regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, are in place to ensure employees' safety and well-being. Businesses should go above and beyond in ensuring that regulations are followed, and safety procedures are adhered to. In doing so, even the most dangerous of professions can reduce risk to a minimal level.
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