Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs In Australia : The Deadliest
Every year, hundreds of people die from work-related injuries in Australia. Most of these deaths happen in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors, which have always been at the top of the list of the most dangerous jobs in Australia.
Lots of jobs are a lot more hazardous than they seem because they can cause injuries or even death. There are some jobs that are more dangerous than others, but they can also be really rewarding. Knowing what dangerous jobs are can help you pick the right one for you. So, here’s what you need to know: what are top 10 most dangerous jobs in Australia?
1. Agriculture, Forestry And Fishing
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing have long been at the forefront of the most hazardous occupations, with a wide range of jobs ranging from farmers, park rangers, and scientists. Common hazards include dangerous machinery and equipment, and toxic chemicals. In 2020, the fatality rate for this sector stood at 13.1, the highest among all work sectors.
2. Transportation, Postal And Warehousing
Truck drivers, postal workers, and warehouse workers are just some of the people who are at risk of getting hurt in the transport, postal, and warehousing industries. Working in manual jobs that involve heavy machinery can lead to more injuries. In 2020, there were 7.8 deaths per 100,000 worker in these industries.
3. Construction
Construction workers have a lot on their plate, from working at high altitudes to moving things around and handling things with their hands. They need to be on high alert all the time to make sure they’re safe. There are a lot of different types of construction workers, from regular labourers and earthmovers to carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. In 2020, there was a 3.1 death rate per 100,000 construction jobs.
4. Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is made up of light industries like clothes and textiles, and heavy industries like metal, oil, and chemicals. Heavy industries are more dangerous, with 19 people dying in 2020 working in them.
5. Mining Workers
When it comes to the mining industry, there are a lot of things to keep an eye out for. Safety Work Australia reports that 21 out of 36 deaths in the industry from 2007 to 2012 were caused by car accidents. Other causes of death include falls from high places and strikes from falling objects. Whether it’s a fall from a mine shaft or a sudden downpour of heavy debris, there are plenty of things to be aware of.
6. Retail Workers
Does working retail pose a risk to your life? In 2012, there were six reported deaths in the retail industry, which is higher than you’d think but not enough to make headlines. You don’t have to worry about toxic waste or heights, but you do have to deal with people every day. Plus, your job might involve lifting and moving heavy boxes, driving in heavy traffic, or working in warehouses.
7. Skilled Trade Workers
When it comes to injuries and deaths in retail, this industry is pretty low on the list. In 2012, there were 6 deaths in this industry and 6 in retail alone. It’s a category of white-collar jobs that includes people who work in science, engineering, law, accounting, etc. There are some jobs that are more or less likely to cause injury and death. For instance, if you’re a scientist working in a lab with chemicals, you’re more likely to get into a fatal accident than a lawyer doing paperwork at a desk.
8. Public, Government, Administration Workers
Includes safety and defence workers for the government and public works companies, as well as cops on the street. Even though only 13 people died in 2012, it’s enough to put this industry in the top five most dangerous in Australia. Law enforcement is one area where there are known risks, but other types of workers in this field can also be at risk for car accidents and other risks.
9. Gas, Water, Electrical Workers
A lot of the deaths that were reported for this industry in 2012 were due to traffic accidents. That’s because a lot of technicians are out on the job all the time, servicing customers, taking care of equipment, and getting things back up and running after disasters.
In 2012, there were 530 injuries for this industry, which is lower than you’d think for a sector that puts so many people into high-activity jobs. If you’re in this industry, you might be a bit safer than you think, especially when you compare it to some of the other industries that were higher on this list.
10. Health And Community Service
The health & community services industry usually has the most worker compensation claims. Between 2019-2020, 17,345 workers filed claims. This is mainly because of the risks associated with the job, like needlestick and back injuries.
But the reason why this industry isn’t higher on the list is because it doesn’t have as many serious claims per 1000 workers as other industries.
To Conclude,
Every year, thousands of people make workplace injury claims in Australia, and unfortunately, some of them end up in death. Jobs that involve dangerous machinery or chemicals are usually seen as high risk, but there are other jobs that can be just as dangerous.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in Australia. Are the above mentioned jobs your occupation? Have you ever been hurt? What are the biggest difficulties and challenges? Tell us in the comments.