Jobs That Can Put You at Greater Risk of Injury or Illness

The work industry has changed dramatically over the years. Globalization has affected the structure of workplaces and the way work is performed. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards have increased safety for occupations and individuals. However, occupations still present certain risk factors. This article will discuss a few jobs that are more likely to put you at greater risk of injury or illness.

Factory Jobs 

Factory jobs require heavy machinery and numerous moving parts to get the job done. Manual handling of products, forceful exertion, and operation of machinery is particularly dangerous. A factory worker is also exposed to highly repetitive motions and high levels of noise. The OSHA is a federal agency that designates certain expectations and safety practices for a business. These expectations are a baseline for factories to operate. Factory workers should follow all signs, wear proper protective equipment, and receive frequent safety training. Following these standards will help keep factory workers safe and prevent frequent injuries.

Emergency Responder 

Emergency responders like police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are constantly at risk of injury and illness. Every time a police officer goes on duty, they face very real on-the-job risks . They never know what to expect when responding to a call or pulling someone over. While their job is to protect the common people, the common people don’t always protect the officer. Firefighters also put their lives at risk in the effort to save others. Smoke inhalation and burns affect many fighters. Fires and emergency situations that they respond to are always dangerous and require courage to perform heroic acts.

Desk Jobs 

There are several unique health risks to consider when it comes to desk jobs. For example, sitting affects your posture, mental health, and stress levels. Having a sedentary lifestyle leads to a number of health issues , including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and certain types of cancers. Depriving the body of exercise weakens the muscles and immune system. Mental health and stress levels can also be a problem when sitting for extended periods of time. Your body is meant to move and should receive breaks throughout the day to encourage blood circulation and brain function.

Jobs Outdoors 

Jobs in the outdoor industry also come with a set of complications. Many outdoor jobs require operation of heavy equipment, like construction. This increases the risk of injuries. Extreme temperatures are also unforgiving and increase an individual’s risk of illness. Some outdoor jobs can also cause harm to your skin. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) light that causes sunburns and makes your skin age faster. There is a strong link between UV exposure and skin cancer. If you work outside, consider ways to protect yourself from the sun. While operating a vehicle, a canopy can reduce risk of skin cancer . Wear hats and other protective clothing. Consider using sunscreen with a SPF greater than 30 to protect your body’s largest organ.

Healthcare Workers 

Doctors, nurses, and other individuals working in the healthcare industry put themselves in constant danger of injury and illness. Being around an increased population of sick individuals increases the risk for healthcare workers to get sick. Approximately 13.7 individuals in healthcare get injured or become ill for every 100 workers. Those in healthcare are especially prone to sickness during flu season. Healthcare workers also face challenging physical tasks every day. Moving patients can put intense strain on their muscles and cause physical injury. Injuries often go unnoticed because they are concerned about taking care of their patients.

Flight Attendants 

Flight attendants do much more than welcome you on board the aircraft and serve in-flight drinks and snacks. Flight attendants are responsible for conducting pre-flight inspections of emergency equipment and tracking cabin conditions. They must also track flight details, and care for passengers. This job description often causes higher injury rates than the average job. Attendants must be able to lift heavy objects, putting intense strain on their bodies. Working conditions put them at risk of falls, overexertion, and transportation incidents. It is important to note, only 0.6% of flight attendant injuries are caused by violence . However, the volume of people they interact with significantly increases their risk of illness contracted by foreign entities.

Athletes 

Playing a sport always comes with risk of injury. Contact sports are particularly dangerous for individuals. When an athlete is in motion and gets hit, the impact can cause severe injuries. Even non-contact sports put athletes at risk of injury. Repetitive motions can weaken joints and cause an imbalance in muscle structure. Athletes performing at a high level often do not give their body time to recuperate before putting more stress on it. It is extremely rare for an athlete to retire without an injury. Injuries are most common in sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, and boxing.

Veterinarians 

Pet owners have significantly increased over the last ten years. More and more families are adopting pets and bringing them into their homes. Proper care of a pet requires visits to the vet. With an increased number of animals, not all trained, veterinarians are at an increased risk of injury. Even a well-trained animal can become scared and react violently. Animal violence is the cause of 20.6% of all workplace injuries and illnesses of vets. Still, vets also deal with medical equipment and heavy objects. While keeping your pet safe is their top priority, vets often get struck by an object or equipment. Finally, veterinarians risk being exposed to many infectious agents, animal bites, repetitive motion injuries, noise, and long work hours.

Every industry comes with certain risk factors. Many businesses are implementing ways to protect and promote the health of their workers. Prioritizing your health will not only protect you in the work environment but will encourage long-term health. Pay attention to your industry’s safety standards and aim to live a healthy lifestyle to avoid common risk factors for your occupation.

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