While you might first think of high-stakes roles like cage fighters or MI6 agents, some of the most dangerous jobs in the UK are far more common and deceptively ordinary. From construction sites to farms and warehouses, those working in these types of workplace in the UK face significant hazards every day. These essential roles come with serious risks, including accidents that lead to injury and even fatality in the most severe instances.
If you’ve been involved in an accident at a dangerous workplace, it’s important to know what your options are, from starting a workplace injury claim to holding your employer accountable for negligence. In this helpful guide, we’ll explore the most dangerous jobs in the UK, the risks involved, and what to do if you’ve been injured at work.
Why are some jobs more dangerous than others?
Of course, because of the nature of certain professions, some jobs are more dangerous than others. The following factors will usually influence the level of danger present in your job:
- Heavy machinery — If your workplace has heavy machinery present, the likelihood of risk is much higher as they could cause crushing or trauma.
- Working at height — If you work as a roofer, scaffolder or construction worker, you are at greater risk of falling, one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities.
- Hazardous materials — If you work with hazardous materials like chemicals, toxic substances or heavy loads, it could lead to accidents or long-term health issues.
- Unpredictable conditions — If you work outdoors, such as in agricultural or waste collection jobs, you could be exposed to rapidly changing weather, machinery malfunctions or road accidents.
These risks often result in injuries like fractures, head trauma, burns, and repetitive strain injuries — many of which can be prevented with proper safety measures.
The most dangerous jobs in the UK
Using data taken from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), we’ve put together a list of the UK’s highest-risk jobs:
1. Construction
The HSE consistently ranks construction as one of the most dangerous industries to work in the UK. You might face risks like falls from height, collapsing structures or injuries from heavy machinery. And when it comes to workplace fatalities, the HSE reports this industry as the highest in the country each year.
2. Farming and agriculture
It might shock you to hear that agriculture is another sector in the UK with an alarmingly high injury and fatality rate. This is due to the presence of hazardous chemicals, heavy machinery and animals — all bringing their own risks.
3. Waste collection
When it comes to waste collection, dangers crop up because of how much manual handling, heavy vehicle operation and exposure to hazardous materials are present. For example, needlestick injuries might occur when handling waste, or crushing could happen as a result of the truck’s mechanism.
4. Roofing and scaffolding
Working at height always brings with it more danger than at ground level. In fact, falls from ladders, scaffolding and roofs are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK.
5. Haulage and storage
In the haulage and storage industries, workers face all sorts of risks, like heavy lifting, operating forklifts and accidents involving large vehicles. Not only this, but fatigue caused by long shifts can further increase the likelihood of incidents.
What are your legal rights after a workplace injury?
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty of care over their employees — this includes:
- Conducting thorough and regular risk assessments
- Providing proper and relevant training to all employees
- Providing correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Maintaining a safe working environment
If you’ve been injured at work and you believe it was due to your employer’s negligence, you could be owed justice in the form of compensation. That’s where Injury Lawyers 4u come in — talk to us today and we’ll discuss how much you could be owed.
Steps to take after a workplace accident
If you’ve been injured in a dangerous workplace, taking the following steps could ensure your safety and possible future remuneration:
- Seek medical attention — Even minor injuries should be assessed by a medical professional to document the severity and impact.
- Report the accident — If you can’t report the accident yourself, get a trusted friend or colleague to do it for you while you seek medical attention.
- Gather evidence — If you want to pursue a personal injury compensation claim, you’ll need to gather as much evidence as you can. Collect witness statements and keep a record of medical appointments and expenses.
- Get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u — We’ll explain your rights and explore your options for compensation without any obligation.
Preventing accidents in dangerous jobs
While workplaces carry certain safety risks that vary depending on profession, weather and general safety awareness, many accidents can be avoided. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Wear proper PPE
- Take part in regular training
- Report all hazards
- Follow health and safety guidelines
Though it’s legally up to your employer to keep you safe, by following the above steps, you can help to keep yourself and your colleagues safe as well.
How can Injury Lawyers 4u help you following a workplace injury?
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we specialise in handling workplace injury claims for individuals in high-risk professions. Whether you work in construction, agriculture, or haulage, our experienced team can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
With our no win, no fee policy in place for all of the cases we take on, you won’t have to worry about paying a penny upfront. Contact us to find out more or to arrange for a free consultation with one of our expert lawyers.