Work and working conditions are essential parts of our lives. Doing the job, we love which is also satisfying, is what everyone desires. The monthly payments and the status in the society come as a reward with that.
But we all tend to overlook work-life satisfaction when it comes to choosing a job opportunity. It provides a meaningful focus to our lives. But, numerous factors such as environmental, psychological, and physical affect an individual’s health.
Many people worldwide are just working to put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads. It results in more challenges in their professional life.
But not everyone is fortunate enough to work in an ideal and less challenging work environment. Hence, some people are not satisfied with their jobs because they are less rewarding and not healthy. Some workplaces even pose a considerably higher risk of health.
Late-night shifts cause a range of disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. Poor handling techniques while moving objects from one place to another can cause injury. Accidents, noise pollution, suffocation, electrocution, etc., are examples of occupational-related health hazards.
So if you know about the kind of jobs that pose an increased risk of occupational disease, you can take precautions to protect yourself and be serious about getting a diagnosis before something severe happens. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So here we are with some common occupations with known risk of health hazards, so that you should know what exposures you should be concerned about and what symptoms you should watch out for:
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Miners:
A job of a miner involves drilling, mining, and blasting through the earth. It can expose you to harmful dust particles, including silica ( a commonly found mineral in the earth’s crust) which can get embedded in your lungs.
Inhaling silica causes silicosis, which is a deadly form of lung cancer. Inhalation of dust particles for a more extended period causes chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, asthma. So if you are a miner and have symptoms of COPD, which are shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough, you should consult a physician immediately.
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Farmers or grain workers:
If you work with grains and crops, you are at risk of developing a disease known as farmer’s lungs. It is an allergic reaction caused by inhaling molds or bacteria found in grains, especially hay. The exposed person complains of sudden asthma attacks.
Long-term exposure causes repetitive and permanent damage to the lungs and even death. So if you have been experiencing shortness of breath, cold, fever, or worn-out feeling, you should see a doctor.
Some farmers also develop silo fillers disease, caused by inhalation of toxic gas from freshly harvested crops. Symptoms are life-threatening and develop within minutes after exposure. So as a precaution, one can wear face masks to protect themselves.
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Police officers:
Police officers commonly develop heart diseases. Research has proven that police officers have reported high blood pressure and high cholesterol, thus putting them at risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The reason behind this is obesity and age factor.
A police officer protects the lives of others, enforce law and order, issue citations, investigate crimes, and arrest the suspects. All of these tasks are dangerous. Hence the threat to their lives is high. The most common cause of death of a police officer is usually gunshot injury or physical violence.
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Logging workers:
Logging is included in the list of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It is physically demanding; hence, there are greater chances of severe physical injuries and sometimes death. Logging workers spend most of their time outside in the forests and isolated areas.
They have to cut down logs and load them onto trailers. The overall death rate is pretty high, with a 33 percent probability than an average job nationwide. So the most frequent non-fatal injury is getting stuck in a machine, overexertion due to constant lifting, or back injuries due to slipping.
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Cleaners:
Some jobs are lousy and plain stinky, and being a cleaner is undoubtedly one. But a decent salary package can make you reconsider it. Cleaners, unfortunately, are exposed to unhealthy situations and chemicals. While inspecting the sewers or flushing out the problems, they can easily contract diseases like skin conditions, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders. The cleaning products contain some hazardous components that can trigger respiratory illnesses. Sometimes, needle prick injuries or cuts with sharp objects are also commonly seen.
In a nutshell:
Losing a job, reduction, and unexpected unemployment causes difficulties and distress for an individual, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle. When a person is not happy with the work-life, they might experience anger, depression, and rage.
The feeling of worthlessness and being powerless prevails, which is okay. It takes time to build up again. However, some jobs are bad for your health in the long run. So any profession that disturbs your physical and mental well-being should be reconsidered at all costs. Some jobs help you focus on your mental and physical health, such as a fitness trainer.
Furthermore, if you are working and get exposed to a dangerous substance that worries you, consult a doctor right away. Don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Your life is highly precious.
