Most Dangerous Jobs

There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible. ~ Mother Teresa

Many of us curse our jobs day in and day out and think we are stuck with a psychotic boss who comes to office only to make us go crazy. Or maybe some of us feel our jobs lack the thrill and the adrenal rush that will excite and push us over the edge. Well, many jobs do push one over the edge, literally. And these jobs are some of the world's most dangerous jobs. If you think you face danger everyday at work, then this article will cover some of the world's most dangerous jobs, that will surely make you appreciate and like your job better.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

The world's most dangerous jobs are those with the highest risk of fatality. Let's see some of the top 10 most dangerous jobs.

Flight Engineers and Professional Aircraft Pilots: They are at a risk of crash or begin hijacked or maybe developing a chronic disease, flight engineers and pilots have a heck of a dangerous job. The flight engineers are supposed to work at run-time, that is, work around gigantic plane parts when they are working! One could lose a limb or two in this most dangerous job.

Police Officers and Law Enforcement: No one anywhere in the world can deny the fact that police officers and law enforcement officers are in the most dangerous jobs of them all. Fighting crime is not an easy task, especially when criminals use ingenious methods to fight back. And most of the deaths of police officers are not just by a flying bullet, but motor accident related deaths in high-speed chases.

Refuse and Recyclable Materials Collectors: You maybe wondering what does a refuse and recyclable material collector have to worry about? Well, these men and women put their hands in stuff that will make you faint. They need to separate out the garbage material from hazardous materials. These garbage collectors in developing countries have to separate the wet and dry garbage with just their bare hands. Think about it, separating diapers, sanitary napkins, kitchen waste, industrial waste, paper, card boxes and anything and everything that is termed garbage. They are prone to many infectious diseases and injuries while handling hazardous materials. Hats off to these people who dare to do a job that helps keep our cities clean.

Truck Divers/ Motor Drivers: Driving may seem like a pleasure while you are in your Ferrari or maybe a fight to reach your destination on time during peak traffic hour. But for these long distance truck drivers it's a matter of life and death. Irregular working hours, poor lighting, fatigue, bad roads (some countries still have potholes in place of roads), poor visibility, harsh weather all add to the risk of driving a heavy vehicle. These drivers spend hours on the road and are always at a risk of getting into an accident. They also have to face vehicle problems like flat tires, engine repair and many other work related hazards.

Electricians: I have always had some amount of respect for electricians as I feel they are doing one of the most dangerous jobs. Electricity is one of the most dangerous stuff to work with and an electrician is always at a risk of getting a shock. Electricians have their lives hanging between the high poles and one live wire that could spell into one electrifying jolt.

Iron Workers and Structural Workers: When we see a beautifully structured, high-rise building, we always tend to praise the architect for envisioning such an elaborate design. But have we ever given a thought to those men who risk their lives to turn the architect's vision into reality? These iron workers and structural steel workers are always at a high risk of death at work. The people in welding jobs and getting heavy equipment and steel bars on the top are always at risk of getting a shock or equipment falling off a building. These brave men fight all odds just to help us spend our lives in our dream homes.

Farmers: Yes, farmers are also in the list of top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world. The heavy machinery used by farmers and ranchers may crush people or run away tractors or backhoes may run over farmers. Or being kicked by a cow who gets tickled when you milk her udder or getting hit by an angry bull's horn. That's all in day's work for a farmer.

Roofers: Roof workers are also doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. One false move and they can plunge several feet down to their death. Also, other dangers like high winds, getting picked by a panicky crow or maybe the roof crashing down are a part and parcel of their job! That's one heck of a smashing and dangerous job.

Miners: No matter how precious is the stuff you are mining deep within the earth's belly, it is not more precious than your life and limb. Mine workers are always at a risk of getting trapped underground, running out of oxygen, inhaling toxic gases, humid and unsafe working conditions, etc, which makes mining one of the most dangerous jobs. Miners truly get down and dirty only for our cars to run on gas and that beautiful diamond on the maiden's finger.

Timber Cutters: Timber cutter or a logger may seem like a simple job to do. Go to the forest in the morning with a sharp ax and just chop of the trees. Spend a beautiful day in the lap of nature with occasional naps under the shade of a cool tree that has not yet been chopped. The job description may sound exciting but in reality it is one of the most dangerous jobs. A timber cutter has to face the deadliest and the sharpest saws available. One wrong move and instead of lumber it's a limb that's cut. Also the risk of death from falling trees is certainly high. This certainly is one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world. TIMBER!!!

Most Dangerous Jobs in America

America is the land of dreams and opportunities. One can make it big in America if he has what it takes to make it big. Well, there are certainly some jobs in America that ask for more than one can imagine. Let's see which are the most dangerous jobs in America.

Alaskan Crab Fisherman: The Alaskan crab is one of the most expensive sea food delicacies. Ever wonder what's so special about these snappy crustaceans? The fact that the fishermen who brave the icy cold waters of the ocean face the highest on-job mortality rate. Fishing for these brave men is not a relaxing pass time with a can of cool beer in one hand. This is a dangerous profession where one has to brave cruel weather, sharp hooks, long ropes, tides and the swinging booms. The Alaskan crab is one tough cookie to catch and the next time you savor a sea food delight, thank the faceless men who braved all odds to serve you the best on your platter.
Firefighter: I always wanted to become a firefighter when I was a little kid. I really have tons of respect for these guys as I feel they are one of the bravest men on earth. Fighting fire is not a child's play and saving lives without caring for your own is the most selfless act. The brave and courageous men are ready to save houses, men, women and kids without a second thought. These firefighters never shy away from saving a poor little kitty in a high-rise or save hundreds of panicky animals from a bush fire. The occasional burns and lung ailments due to smoke never turn off a firefighter from doing his duties to the best of his ability.

Bodyguard: With the glitterati from around the world making a beeline to the land of dreams, bodyguards have a tough job begin a human shield. From rock stars to hotel heiress, from the top business men to Presidents, all need to be protected from assassins and crazy fans or hurling shoes (okay, bad joke!). This is one tough job that pays to put your life at risk for saving the life of another.

Coast Guard Search & Rescue: If you have been inspired of becoming a life guard by Bay Watch about a life at the beach with babes and hot guys, then you are mistaken. The life guards and coast guards have to brave rough storms and heavy rains with high tide to save people from drowning. Also, helping stalled boats and sinking ships is no easy game. This is one of the most dangerous jobs with the most virtuous intentions.

Bomb Squad: If there is one job that can earn the title 'Suicidal Job', then it ought to be the bomb squad. The term deadline fits the bill perfectly for a bomb squad personnel. Working under pressure to cut the right wire in less than a minute is a job for the daredevil. Don't be fooled by the bomb diffusion scenes in movies, this is real life where one wrong move can cost you not only your life but also the lives of many other innocent people.

Taxi Drivers: You may accuse taxi drivers of being rude, over charging and taking the longest possible route to your destination. But have you ever tried driving all day on a hostile road, with cranky passengers and dealing with tough cops on the prowl? Taxi drivers are at a risk of being robbed, shot and getting into accidents.

World's Most Dangerous Jobs

There are plenty of jobs in the world that can be termed as the most dangerous jobs. Let us have a look at some of the unconventional, most dangerous jobs in the world.

Retail Worker: Yes, a retail worker also earns an entry into the world's most dangerous games. The workers are in line for plenty of occupational hazards that include being robbed, shot and even being raped! Gas station workers are always at a risk of being blown up by merry makers looking for some fun or robbers trying to hide their trial.

Motor Mechanic: Well, an auto mechanic also risks his life by getting under cars and trucks, even huge trailers to fix the problem. One is at a risk of being run over by the vehicle you are lying under or being crushed under the weight of the vehicle if the jack breaks.

Stunt Double: We all love to watch our favorite action hero jump down the 15th floor without a scratch or dive into a running jeep from a helicopter or maybe drive his motor bike through a blast! But, these death-defying stunts are never or rarely enacted by the main actor. It is the stunt man who does the action for the actor. These stunt doubles are the actual heroes who never get the credit for the stunts they do. They break their bones, fracture their skulls and burn their skin. These men are truly the 'Last Action Heroes'.

Astronauts: I am sure you must be wondering why are astronauts in the list of most dangerous jobs? Well, these men have work conditions that include no air, excess heat, hostile environment, and zero gravity. These men when in orbit are at risk by a small particle that may pierce their fabric and lead them to their death. How? These particles are traveling at a high velocity and when they pierce their suit it may lead to depressurization. This will starve the astronaut of oxygen leading to his death. Getting hit by a passing cosmic debris or getting cut off from the mother ship may also be included in work hazards. However, a lot of care is taken to prevent such incidents, but one can never predict what happens in space.

Bounty Hunters: This job sounds interesting and intriguing. Bounty hunters are not searching for lost treasures, but look out for those on the run from law. Let me explain. When one is charged for a crime, one has to wait for the case to come to trial. Sometimes the judge allows the person to stay out of jail till the case comes to trial by paying up a large sum of money to guarantee that they will show up in the court. This is called bail bond and many defendants borrow money from bonding companies. When these defendants do not show up in courts and are on the run, the bounty hunters have to find and arrest these fugitives. The hunting part is easy, but arresting the fugitive is what makes this the most dangerous job. The bounty hunters not only have to protect themselves from the fugitive who might put up a fight, but also innocent bystanders around him.

Soldiers: Army, Air Force or Navy, a member of this elite group is in one of the most dangerous jobs. Fighting an invasion or fighting terror, these men have to face the best technologically advanced weapons to help save their country. Staying away from home for months and living in the harshest and the most hostile territories is one tough job. If it's not dogging the AK-47s, then it is looking out for hidden mines and guerrilla attackers. This is indeed one of the most patriotic and noblest of all the most dangerous jobs in the world.

Honorable Mentions of Some Dangerous Jobs

Apart from these jobs there are certain other jobs that require a mention in the list of most dangerous jobs. The job of a war crime reporter or those who report the natural calamities around the world put their lives at stake. The job of a microbiologist working with the most dangerous viruses and bacteria are at a risk of infection. Volunteers like doctors, nurses, medical workers who choose to offer their services in areas of highly unstable environment that are war waged or hit by an endemic are also at risk. Those working with unstable compounds and nuclear radiation are at risk of getting radiation burns and developing cancers. Even the factory workers who work in hazardous conditions are also worth mentioning in the list of most dangerous jobs.

These are some of the world's most thrilling jobs that are really dangerous. I am sure you might have started to appreciate your job, since you know how many have to risk their lives to get their monthly pay check. You too maybe a part of the most dangerous jobs mentioned above or one that I may have missed. I salute all these unsung heroes who put their lives at stake everyday. In the end, let us all thank these everyday heroes who help us live our lives better and comfortably.