Here is a list of the ten most dangerous jobs.
October 16, 2002 5:00 PM Subscribe
Here is a list of the ten most dangerous jobs. Of course, I suppose that depends on who you ask.
But don't stop there! The Bureau of Labor Statistics site has lots more interesting (albeit overwhelming) information.
"10. Sales occupations"
Only if you sleep with the farmer's daughter.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2002
Only if you sleep with the farmer's daughter.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2002
7. Laborers
**echoes anathema's sentiments**
Isn't President of the U.S. statistically the most dangerous job in the U.S.? Your odds of being assassinated are pretty good, considering we're on number 46(?). I wonder how much the President's life is insured for?
strictly out of curiosity, Mr. Ashcroft, sir, I....I...ow! You're hurting me......
posted by Ufez Jones at 5:17 PM on October 16, 2002
**echoes anathema's sentiments**
Isn't President of the U.S. statistically the most dangerous job in the U.S.? Your odds of being assassinated are pretty good, considering we're on number 46(?). I wonder how much the President's life is insured for?
strictly out of curiosity, Mr. Ashcroft, sir, I....I...ow! You're hurting me......
posted by Ufez Jones at 5:17 PM on October 16, 2002
Statistically the most dangerous job?
Considering what's happened to its former occupants my vote would have to go to the role of Superman.
posted by herc at 5:22 PM on October 16, 2002
Considering what's happened to its former occupants my vote would have to go to the role of Superman.
posted by herc at 5:22 PM on October 16, 2002
I can't believe Israeli Bus Driver didn't make the list.
posted by hotdoughnutsnow at 5:26 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by hotdoughnutsnow at 5:26 PM on October 16, 2002
Hmm...TLC (The Learning Channel) just featured the "Ultimate 10: Most Dangerous Jobs" but it was quite some time ago, and as far as I know, they don't archive the lists. I seem to remember Alaskan crab fishermen and electricians being on the list...
posted by Zulujines at 5:28 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by Zulujines at 5:28 PM on October 16, 2002
Only four U.S. Presidents have been assassinated, that doesn't seem all that dangerous, considering it covers a time span of over 200 years; besides, the improved security and efficiency of the Secret Service makes it less likely to happen now than 1865 (when Lincoln was assassinated).
Good one, hotdoughnuts, although I fear you might be in for it with that one!
posted by Zulujines at 5:37 PM on October 16, 2002
Good one, hotdoughnuts, although I fear you might be in for it with that one!
posted by Zulujines at 5:37 PM on October 16, 2002
Funny, I took that to mean prostitution.
Jelly nougat, anyone?
posted by Zulujines at 5:46 PM on October 16, 2002
Jelly nougat, anyone?
posted by Zulujines at 5:46 PM on October 16, 2002
"Funny, I took that to mean prostitution."
No, that would be rentals.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:50 PM on October 16, 2002
No, that would be rentals.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:50 PM on October 16, 2002
Timber cutter? What can possibly hurt a guy when he is inside something like this or this.
posted by lazy-ville at 6:12 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by lazy-ville at 6:12 PM on October 16, 2002
Screw the Segway™, sign me up for the woodsman spider bot skidder.
posted by anathema at 6:26 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by anathema at 6:26 PM on October 16, 2002
anathema: Yeah, that thing is hella cool, here is the development company's website, with video. My favorite picture is this one of their first test-platform. It somehow manages to capture a part of the essence of Finland.
posted by lazy-ville at 6:34 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by lazy-ville at 6:34 PM on October 16, 2002
Cool. I am so getting a Forest Walker when the lease on my Jetta is up next year.
posted by DakotaPaul at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by DakotaPaul at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2002
Where's Stagehand on the list? (I've been a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 545 (now 500) for the past 5 years, since i was 18)
Working in the theatre is very dangerous, or at least from what I've heard from the old timers.
One could get hit in the head from a batton (aka a pipe held from a set of lines), fall from a truss (metal structure used to hold lighting instruments), fall from a venue's catwalk, fall from a beam while rigging something, get electricuted by the major amps going thourgh lines to power the equipment, get squished in a semitruck while loading/unloading road cases, plus many more.
I always try to remember 'safety first' when working a show, though with the rush to get a show either in or out of the venue, safety precautions are sometimes over looked.
posted by ewwgene at 7:28 PM on October 16, 2002
Working in the theatre is very dangerous, or at least from what I've heard from the old timers.
One could get hit in the head from a batton (aka a pipe held from a set of lines), fall from a truss (metal structure used to hold lighting instruments), fall from a venue's catwalk, fall from a beam while rigging something, get electricuted by the major amps going thourgh lines to power the equipment, get squished in a semitruck while loading/unloading road cases, plus many more.
I always try to remember 'safety first' when working a show, though with the rush to get a show either in or out of the venue, safety precautions are sometimes over looked.
posted by ewwgene at 7:28 PM on October 16, 2002
Four out of Forty-Six is a pretty high percentage (8.695% to be exact), so statistically, I would think that it would be highest.
However, statistically, it's also a very difficult job to get, and only one person can do it at a time. So yes, there's argument to be had.
posted by Ufez Jones at 7:53 PM on October 16, 2002
However, statistically, it's also a very difficult job to get, and only one person can do it at a time. So yes, there's argument to be had.
posted by Ufez Jones at 7:53 PM on October 16, 2002
ewwgene, there's also that whole "break a leg" thing you have to worry about.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 7:57 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by mr_crash_davis at 7:57 PM on October 16, 2002
I have never understood why they do not ever include electrical (powerline) lineman. During the years that I was married to one, I personally knew 8 men that died on the job. Not to mention the numerous lost limbs. These injuries were attributed to falling, drowning, objects being dropped as well as the obvious electrocutions etc. I even had a 24 yr old cousin who upon stepping out of a truck he had been driving while working for a line company, was electrocuted on the ground where he stood after the line was accidentally dropped. Powerlines, even when new and not energized contain static electricity and are very dangerous. Lineman have to be keenly aware of the actions of their fellow workers as often times their mistakes cause electrocutions etc.
posted by SweetIceT at 8:55 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by SweetIceT at 8:55 PM on October 16, 2002
This is a morbidly interesting BLS report on workplace fatalities in 2001 that includes all the workers killed on 9/11
There were 5900 workplace deaths in 2001 excluding 9/11. That's about 16 workers a day. Of this number, construction holds the industry record for the number of deaths, and mining for the highest death rate. Highway and transportation related events are the leading cause of workplace deaths (which is the reason sales occupations are on that list, anathema. And SweetIceT, the report says electrocutions and falls increased as a cause of death.)
I used to work in insurance. Most workplace injuries are strains and sprains, cuts and burns. But when they get ugly, they really get ugly. I could never eat lunch with anyone in claims and listen to them talk about the latest degloving or some other horror.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:33 PM on October 16, 2002
There were 5900 workplace deaths in 2001 excluding 9/11. That's about 16 workers a day. Of this number, construction holds the industry record for the number of deaths, and mining for the highest death rate. Highway and transportation related events are the leading cause of workplace deaths (which is the reason sales occupations are on that list, anathema. And SweetIceT, the report says electrocutions and falls increased as a cause of death.)
I used to work in insurance. Most workplace injuries are strains and sprains, cuts and burns. But when they get ugly, they really get ugly. I could never eat lunch with anyone in claims and listen to them talk about the latest degloving or some other horror.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:33 PM on October 16, 2002
Those are all physically dangerous jobs. For mentally crippling jobs, I would think that trying to run MetaFilter is among the most hazardous.
posted by LeLiLo at 9:41 PM on October 16, 2002
posted by LeLiLo at 9:41 PM on October 16, 2002
I think the number one concern for timber cutters is getting run over by crazed logging truck drivers.
Am I the only one who's made nervous that airplane pilots sit at #2? I mean, what does that mean for the passengers?
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM on October 16, 2002
Am I the only one who's made nervous that airplane pilots sit at #2? I mean, what does that mean for the passengers?
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM on October 16, 2002
"Am I the only one who's made nervous that airplane pilots sit at #2? I mean, what does that mean for the passengers?"
Isn't that funny (funny odd, not funny haha), Salmonberry... I was thinking the VERY same thing when I posted this! But perhaps its listed as such because of the passengers. ;)
posted by FilmMaker at 2:49 AM on October 17, 2002
Isn't that funny (funny odd, not funny haha), Salmonberry... I was thinking the VERY same thing when I posted this! But perhaps its listed as such because of the passengers. ;)
posted by FilmMaker at 2:49 AM on October 17, 2002
Ahhh, the BLS. I cut my html teeth there. You're right, FilmMaker; the site's busy, but it contains a massive amount of useful information.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:52 AM on October 17, 2002
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:52 AM on October 17, 2002
But seriously.... groundskeeper?
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 5:17 AM PST on October 17
I got two words for you, pal:
Groundskeeper Willie.
posted by Zulujines at 7:22 AM on October 17, 2002
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 5:17 AM PST on October 17
I got two words for you, pal:
Groundskeeper Willie.
posted by Zulujines at 7:22 AM on October 17, 2002
It's good to know, indeed, that presidential security has improved since the Ford's Theater incident. But how about presidential security in 1881? (The most forgotten assasination, which led to the creation of the Civil Service. Garfield assasination theories aren't much in vogue.) Or 1901? Or 1963? How about 1981? Or 1975? (Yeah, neither Ford nor Reagan died, but Hinckley got pretty close to his goal. Squeaky Fromme . . . oh, never mind.)
posted by raysmj at 8:29 AM on October 17, 2002
posted by raysmj at 8:29 AM on October 17, 2002
"Yeah, neither Ford nor Reagan died..."
I wonder why?
posted by Zulujines at 10:16 AM on October 17, 2002
I wonder why?
posted by Zulujines at 10:16 AM on October 17, 2002
Am I the only one who's made nervous that airplane pilots sit at #2? I mean, what does that mean for the passengers?
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM PST on October 16
Think small plane like (in Canada anyway) the Beaver or Twin Otter. It's been my experience that that nut Buzz Sherwood from the Red Green Show is only slightly exaggerated. Modern passenger aircraft, jet and turbo prop, with professional pilots are fairly safe.
posted by Mitheral at 11:50 AM on October 17, 2002
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM PST on October 16
Think small plane like (in Canada anyway) the Beaver or Twin Otter. It's been my experience that that nut Buzz Sherwood from the Red Green Show is only slightly exaggerated. Modern passenger aircraft, jet and turbo prop, with professional pilots are fairly safe.
posted by Mitheral at 11:50 AM on October 17, 2002
construction holds the industry record for the number of deaths,
Yeah, going by the example of my brother I can guess why...so many of them drink beer and then go up on the roof. And by the way, being the dog of a construction worker is also hazardous. My brother brought his lab to the work site many times until she fell off the roof. Fortunately she only had a broken leg and lived many more years. My brother, however, lost his job for being a jackass.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:20 PM on October 17, 2002
Yeah, going by the example of my brother I can guess why...so many of them drink beer and then go up on the roof. And by the way, being the dog of a construction worker is also hazardous. My brother brought his lab to the work site many times until she fell off the roof. Fortunately she only had a broken leg and lived many more years. My brother, however, lost his job for being a jackass.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:20 PM on October 17, 2002
Aha! In reference to my earlier post about TLC's "Ultimate Ten: Most Dangerous Jobs", the program aired again tonight. I searched for a suitable link to verify my comments, but one was not to be found. Alas, you will just have to take my word for it.
*ahem*
The Ultimate Ten Most Dangerous Jobs according to TLC:
10. Iron workers
9. Stunt performers
8. Smokejumpers
7. Test pilots
6. Aircraft Carrier Deck Hands
5. De-Miners
4. War Correspondents
3. Loggers
2. Coal Miners
1. Alaskan Crab Fishermen
I'm personally think 'War Correspondents' isn't even worthy of an honorable mention, since it is a temporary, optional job which usually leads to international exposure and glimpses of Pulitzer Prizes. I'm more inclined to agree with Secret Life of Gravy that construction workers (and their pets) have dangerous jobs; of course, that could be due in part to the complete disregard for safety most construction workers seem to have. The electricians I know are proud to recount all the times they've been electrocuted on the job, like they're war stories or something. Strange bunch they are, but lots of fun at parties.
I'm alone in here, aren't I?
posted by Zulujines at 1:02 AM on October 23, 2002
*ahem*
The Ultimate Ten Most Dangerous Jobs according to TLC:
10. Iron workers
9. Stunt performers
8. Smokejumpers
7. Test pilots
6. Aircraft Carrier Deck Hands
5. De-Miners
4. War Correspondents
3. Loggers
2. Coal Miners
1. Alaskan Crab Fishermen
I'm personally think 'War Correspondents' isn't even worthy of an honorable mention, since it is a temporary, optional job which usually leads to international exposure and glimpses of Pulitzer Prizes. I'm more inclined to agree with Secret Life of Gravy that construction workers (and their pets) have dangerous jobs; of course, that could be due in part to the complete disregard for safety most construction workers seem to have. The electricians I know are proud to recount all the times they've been electrocuted on the job, like they're war stories or something. Strange bunch they are, but lots of fun at parties.
I'm alone in here, aren't I?
posted by Zulujines at 1:02 AM on October 23, 2002
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A little specificity would be nice here.
posted by anathema at 5:04 PM on October 16, 2002