Most of us have had a job that we couldn’t wait to get out of, but stuck with it until we found something more suitable or better paying. Unfortunately, not everyone in the U.S. has the opportunity to hold out for their dream job. With bills to pay and a family to feed, many individuals stick with their jobs despite the potential dangers and the low pay. Why not look for something better, you ask? Not everyone has the opportunity to advance in a job field or has enough experience to get ahead. Besides, without employees to take the jobs in hazardous industries, we wouldn’t have some of our daily essentials.
So, before you pass judgement on a low paying job or an occupation that you couldn’t imagine doing yourself, think about all the people who put their lives on the line to supply us with all the things we enjoy:
Low Pay, Dangerous Work
Any job has the potential to be dangerous. Take your office job, for example. You could be struck on the head in a “freak” accident by a poorly stacked tower of boxes in the stock room or be electrocuted by a cord under your desk. No job is guaranteed safe, but there are definitely some industries that are safer than others. Here are some of the most dangerous occupations with low pay:
Agricultural Workers: Without agriculture, we would be without that favorite Cabernet from Napa Valley and even that generic brand of tortilla chips that you can buy at the discount market. Food is essential for life and many risk their lives to keep the agriculture industry alive. The agriculture industry varies in occupations and pay. Agricultural inspectors make an average of $21 per hour, which is right around or above the living wage in many states, while farmworkers and laborers make minimum wage and often live below the poverty line.
The Risks: According to the United States Department of Labor, farm laborers are at risk of being injured or killed in vehicle accidents, heat exposure, falls, working with hazardous equipment, unsanitary conditions, and chemicals.
Solution: While many of the individuals receiving low wages in the agriculture industry have little option when it comes to finding other work, due to citizenship, education, or experience. Workers can protect themselves by understanding their rights and taking proper precautionary measures such as wearing protective gear.
Construction Workers: The labor and pay in the construction industry varies greatly. From drywall installers to supervisors, there’s a lot of work that goes into constructing our homes and expanding our cities. While the pay is often considered “liveable”, the jobs are not constant and as a result, many workers need to move from state to state in search of work.
The Risks: Construction work is dangerous. Every year, workers are injured or killed in slip and fall accidents, equipment malfunctions, and being struck by objects on the jobsite.
Solution: Despite OSHA regulations and other safety practices, many jobsites are less than safe. Construction workers should wear any and all protective gear at all times and should speak up when working conditions seem more hazardous than usual.
Transportation: Without the transportation industry, our lives would come to a halt. From groceries to household decorations, little do we consider how much transportation plays a big role in making sure food stays fresh and things we order arrive on time. Like construction work, the wages for transportation jobs varies greatly. On average, a truck driver makes at or just above the liveable wage.
The Risks: Considering the long hours on the road and the high risk of being involved in an accident or being injured while moving parcels on and off a truck, many transportation workers don’t make as much as they’re worth.
Solution: Since many transportation workers often work on their own, they are responsible for their own safety and health. Transportation workers should refrain from distracted driving, stay well rested to prevent drowsy driving, and stay active/healthy to avoid preventable injuries while loading and unloading cargo.