What are the most dangerous jobs in the UK?

What are the most dangerous jobs in the UK?

Determining the most dangerous jobs in the world is dependent on several different factors. While one job could put you at risk from sufferingphysical injuries, another could pose a long-term risk to your mental health. We break down and categorise the most dangerous jobs in the UK and discuss why certain industries might be riskier than others.

What is the most dangerous outdoor job?

Being a firefighter is the most dangerous outdoor job you could do in the UK. Firefighters aren't just put at risk because of fire, but they're also at risk of developing hearing problems because of loud noises. Firefighters also have a higher risk of developing asthma, and they also deal with traumatic events that affect their mental health.

What is the most dangerous indoor job?

Working as a Paramedic comes out on top of the list of most dangerous jobs in the UK. It can be both an indoor and outdoor job because paramedics often treat people at the accident scene and in all weather and situations. However, they work primarily in emergency rooms and ambulances where they treat people with urgent issues.

Paramedics deal with traumatic events and are at risk of contracting diseases from the people they treat. Unfortunately, they also put themselves in dangerous situations and are regularly assaulted while they're trying to treat patients. In the West Midlands, for example, the number of attacks on paramedics have more than tripled over the last decade.

What is the most dangerous industry to work in?

A study conducted in 2021 by GoCompare Life revealed that construction is the industry with the riskiest jobs. People who work in the construction industry are required to work at height, use dangerous tools and be exposed to hazardous materials. 

Most dangerous construction jobs 

Not everyone who works in construction is a builder. It's a varied industry made up of a variety of different roles, including carpenter, civil engineer, building surveyor and architect. Although working in construction is one of the most dangerous occupations, not all construction jobs are as risky as others. 

So, what are the most dangerous construction jobs? For obvious reasons, roofing and high-rise work is the most dangerous role in construction. This is closely followed by demolition work and operating heavy equipment. 

Working at height, or around explosives and falling debris, and operating machinery puts you at more risk than you would be in other areas of construction.

Most dangerous engineering jobs

Mining engineer is the most dangerous job in engineering. If you're interested in geology, mining may be a good career move for you. However, mining engineers face the threat of explosive materials, dangerous gases and even collapses, as the world saw during the 2010 Chilean mining accident. 

Wind turbine technician, telecoms tower climber and tunnelling engineer are also some of the most dangerous engineering jobs.

Most dangerous agricultural jobs

Many people wouldn't consider jobs around the farming industry to be that dangerous. However, statistics show that agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatalities of all the main industry sectors. 

These fatalities occur mainly as a result of people being struck by tractors and all terrain vehicles, but also due to people being struck by falling objects and killed by machinery. 

Most dangerous fishing jobs 

Commercial fishing is high up on the dangerous occupation list. Many commercial fishing operations incur hazardous conditions, long work hours, harsh weather, and strenuous labour. 

In 2010, ten people lost their lives on commercial boats and ships. Not only is being a fisherman dangerous, but it's also ahighly unregulated profession. 

Most dangerous trade jobs

Trade occupations account for a large percentage of non-fatal injuries and the development of musculoskeletal disorders like tendonitis and ligament strain. 

Plumbers, bricklayers and electricians are the least likely to be injured at work, with injuries sustained largely thanks to contact with power tools and ladders. Tree surgeons, roof tilers and scaffolders are the most at-risk tradespeople in the UK.

Which occupation leads to the most injuries? 

Construction is the occupation with the most injuries. Over a three-year period between 2018 and 2021 ,61,000 non-fatal injuries to workers were recorded each year. 50% of these occurred because workers fell from a height, and 13% were due to something collapsing or overturning.

What is the biggest cause of injuries in the workplace? 

Slips, trips and falls accounted for 33% of all non-fatal injuries to employees between 2020/21, with injuries sustained while carrying, handling and lifting coming in second place.

Which occupation has the most fatal accidents?

Construction has the most fatal accidents, closely followed by agriculture and manufacturing. Between 2021 and 2022, around a quarter of fatal injuries to workers were in the construction sector, with a further 18% in agriculture.

What is the biggest cause of fatal accidents at work?

Between 2020/21 the most common cause of fatal accidents at work in the UK were falls from a height. This accounted for 35 fatalities in one year, with being struck by a moving vehicle coming in second place.

What age group is the most likely to have a workplace accident?

Older workers are by far more likely to suffer from a workplace accident. According to statistics published by the UK government, people aged between 60-64 are twice as likely to suffer from a fatal injury at work, and those aged 65 and over are four times as likely. 

Do men or women suffer more accidents at work?

Men predominantly suffer more workplace injuries than women. In 2021/2022, 116 of all worker fatalities were to male workers, which is a staggering 94% of all fatal injuries reported. In fact, men are actually three times more likely to die at work across any injury or sector.

Are high risk jobs well paid?

HMRC suggests that the average salary in the UK at the start of 2022 was £24,600. Jobs that are considered dangerous don't pay as much as you might think they would given the inherent risk they pose. Paramedics have the most dangerous jobs, but they are only paid an average of £32,341 per year. A deckhand is the fourth most risky job in the UK, but they're paid as little as £21,700 per year.

Do I need specialist insurance if I work in a high-risk job? 

Most employers are required by law to insure against liability for injury to their employees. For policies such as life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection, high risk jobs have an inherently higher degree of danger and therefore, would require specialist protection. 

Each insurance provider is different, and the questions asked may differ depending on whether you're looking for life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection insurance.

What responsibility do employers have for workplace safety? 

Under health and safety law, employers are responsible for the management of health and safety risks in their business. It's an employer's duty to protect the safety, health and welfare of their employees and anyone else who might be affected by their work activities. 

They must assess risks, provide information about risks, consult employees and provide any health and safety information either directly or through a safety representative.

What can I do to keep myself safe in a high-risk job?

If you work in a high-risk industry, you mustn't ever take short cuts on your own safety, or the safety of others. Being constantly aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards is one of the best ways to keep you safe. Here are some other tips for safety in high-risk industries: 

• Make sure you're using tools and equipment properly
• Report any unsafe conditions as soon as possible
• Wear all necessary safety gear
• Keep your surroundings as clear and clean as possible
• Stay hydrated and take regular breaks
• Practice good posture when sitting or lifting

What should I do if I have an accident at work?

There are several things you should do after an accident at work. First, and most importantly, you should make sure you seek immediate medical attention. Next, you must report what happened:

• Ensure the accident is reported to your manager
• Make sure your employer records the accident in the company accident book
• Tell your trade union rep if you're a member
• Get witness statements from colleagues if you can

Your employer has to report certain accidents and injuries to the Health and Safety Executive, under RIDDOR. These or the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations.

If you've been seriously injured and are hospitalised, your manager or colleague will arrange statutory sick pay if you need time off work. If you have long-term or permanent issues because of your injury, you may be eligible for industrial injuries disablement benefit. Make sure you talk to your employer about your employment rights after injury.

Can I claim compensation if I'm injured at work?

We know that certain jobs pose a greater risk of injury than others, but accidents can occur in any occupation at any time. These are often due to employers and managers failing to follow health and safety rules. If you've been injured at work in the last three years and it wasn't your fault, you may be able to claim compensation.

Can I still make a claim if my job is statistically high risk?

Even though some jobs have fundamentally high-risk working environments, most accidents that occur in these industries could still be prevented. Usually, this is through better, more thorough training and HSE-compliant safety measures and maintenance. If you've had an accident that wasn't your fault, even in a high-risk job, you could still be entitled to make a claim.

How do I start an accident at work compensation claim?

We know the thought of starting your compensation claim can be daunting. People are often worried about the repercussions of telling their stories. Getting in touch with us doesn't mean you're obliged to start your claim, but it does mean you'll get the support and advice you need to make a decision. 

If you do decide to take the next step, we can pass you on to a specialist solicitor for a free consultation. Call us now on , request a call back or start your claim online today.