Top 10 most dangerous jobs (for infection risk)

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Just-published research by British eye specialist Lenstore has revealed the world’s most dangerous jobs. 

The comprehensive analysis of hazardous occupations rated them by a series of health metrics, including risk of infection, joints and muscular issues, posture, fitness and sun damage.

With infection risks very much front of mind in 2020 – for obvious reasons – the research found that dentists are at a higher risk of infection than any other profession.

Anecdotal evidence by Human Resources bears this out. When one staffer with our publication lost a filling in a tooth while chomping on a chocolate bar – during the height of Covid fears in Hong Kong back in April – they quickly phoned their dentist for a replacement filling.

However a recorded message stated that the dentist’s office was “Closed for repairs”. A number of other dentists where similarly unavailable when contacted at the time. Given the risk of infection in the profession, it is perhaps unsurprising.

Employees in the healthcare profession naturally have a high risk of infection, with nurses, general practitioners and paramedics ranking second, third and fourth respectively, according to the research.

The 10 jobs most at risk of infection

1. Dentists
2. Critical care nurses
3. General practitioners
4. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
5. Anaesthesiologists
6. Surgeons
7. Veterinarians
8. Flight attendants
9. Physical therapists
10. Firefighters

“Although some jobs are inherently at higher risk than others, it’s important to address the risks that we can reduce or resolve entirely – issues of posture or fitness can often be as simple as making sure our desk is set up to support a straighter and supported back and taking regular breaks to walk around for a couple of minutes,” said Roshni Patel a professional services manager at Lenstore.

Also read: Top 10 most stressful jobs revealed

“It’s particularly important while people are working from home to make sure that the same considerations you would have in the office in terms of safe equipment and the right working space are in place,” she added. 

In terms of other jobs, oil riggers – while well paid – were rated as at the highest risk for hazards, risk of injury, sensory damage and sun damage. While flight attendants were at the highest risk of joints and muscular issues and car mechanics were the most prone to posture problems.