This week someone scalded themselves, knocking a hot cup of coffee over.
Easily done, and it was an accident, (it wasn't a bad scald). It did have to go in the accidents book, though.
That's what got me thinking, if we're knocking hot drinks over and think that's bad, then what are other people facing right now?
Well, I've done some digging and these are what I found...
1. Miner
Mining is not a job for the fainthearted! There are countless risks, including:
- Floods
- Long-term health risks
- Gas explosions
- Chemical leaks
- Electrocution...
And those only touch the surface! If you're remotely claustrophobic, this is certainly not the job for you.
Hats off to the guys that do it!
2. Commercial Fisherman
The job title "fisherman" doesn't exactly sound terrifying, but do you actually know what it involves?
Add the unforgiving, subzero waters and rogue waves hurling at you whilst trying to lift hundred pound nets and you'll soon see the danger.
But there's also ice on the deck to throw into the equation, as well as the lethal fishing lines which are more than easy to get caught up in.
It all just sounds... terrifying.
However, the payout for these types of jobs can be huge, so it's no wonder many people risk their lives for it!
3. Bull Rider
I can't get on board with bull riding I'm afraid... a bull kicking and rearing, whilst a poor soul tries to hang on for dear life...
It is actually quite a cruel sport, for both the bull and the human (but one of the two choose to participate!).
The bull does get a chance of revenge if it can get the person off its back... which brings me to why this is such a dangerous job.
Even riding the bull alone, most people damage their shoulders and their knees. There's never any safety gear included, such as a helmet.
But many people also suffer concussion, spinal injuries and of course, sometimes they get a nasty cut from the bull's horns.
Personally, I'm not sure what the attraction is, but I imagine adrenaline junkies get a great kick out of it!
4. Knife Thrower's Assistant
This one doesn't need much explaining.
But, I can never seem to work out how you get into this job.
How can someone willingly stand and let someone throw knives directly at them?
Even one wrong move, it's game over.
And how do you ask someone if you can throw knives at them?
It's just madness!
5. Firefighter
Whilst being a firefighter is extremely rewarding, it's also a very dangerous job.
Facing the flames of a burning building is never going to be deemed as "safe".
Obvious risks include massive levels of carbon monoxide and extreme heat - neither of which are good for your health, obviously.
However, there are also hidden risks included such as physical and mental stress.
Could you cope with having someone's life directly in your hands? What about a building full of people?
Not many people can. That's why the people in this role are probably some of the most respected people out there.
6. Lorry Driver
You'd expect lorry driving to be quite easy, we've all driven for hours on the motorway - how can this be dangerous?
Well, there's the well known fact that lorry drivers work ridiculously long hours, increasing the risk of crashing due to tiredness.
And, if you've ever watched Ice Road Truckers, you'll know this job comes with a lot more than just that risk.
Can you imagine trying to get a lorry weighing tons across a frozen river? I can, but I don't like to think about it.
I suppose in a country like England, you're less likely to get into that situation. Funnily enough, that doesn't make it any less dangerous.
Driving a sound lorry is all well and good, but if you have to stop in a hurry with wet or icy roads, it can be quite difficult.
Plus there's the loading and unloading of the truck, which can cause accidents too.
Overall...
I'm pretty glad after doing my research that I'm sat at my desk, in our office.
It's a safe, warm and cheerful environment and the only things I have to worry about are my annoying co-workers (I'm kidding).
If you don't have an annoying co-worker, it's probably you (you can check via our quiz: Which Office Irritant Are You? [Quiz]).
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Happy Friday!
