By Chron Contributor Updated March 04, 2021
A hard day at work is something that the average American worker typically experiences at least once on the job. For some workers in America, a hard day is a regular occurrence. Although the characteristics that define a hard job are subjective, some workers and industry professionals consider dangerous, stressful jobs some of the hardest occupations in the country.
Fishermen
Fishermen work in bodies of water to catch fish and other types of marine life for human consumption. Depending on the exact work location and the type of boat used, some fishermen remain at sea for long periods of time. Common dangers at work include slippery decks, malfunctioning equipment, collisions and hazardous weather, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The isolation of fishermen while at sea makes it difficult for medical personnel to quickly respond to injured workers or to easily transport injured crew to hospitals.
Coal Miners
Coal is a natural resource that lies beneath the earth and is regularly used in America to produce electricity, among other things. The primary duty of a coal miner is to extract coal deposited several hundred feet underground through the use of specialized tools and equipment.
Many coal miners work underground in cold, damp and dark mines. Common dangers include underground explosions and the collapse of mines. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coal miners experience a higher chance of incurring serious injuries or death while working than workers in the private sector.
Broadcast News Analysts
Broadcast news analysts, commonly called reporters, publicly report current news for television and radio stations. Reporters spend hours traveling, researching topics and interviewing witnesses to present accurate information to their audiences. They may suffer physical consequences from working long hours, overnights and late night shifts when news is breaking.
The constant travel, at times to war zones and other dangerous places, results in reporting jobs being one of the hardest occupations in America. In addition, reporters must commonly meet strict deadlines and unpredictable hours, which makes broadcasting one of the most stressful industries.
Logging Workers
Logging is one of the hardest jobs on your body. Workers in the logging industry use high-powered chainsaws, tractors and other specialized equipment to harvest timber. The specific duties of a logging worker vary. While some workers’ primary job is to cut down trees in a forest, other workers focus on sorting, marking and moving logs.
Logging workers spend a significant amount of time working outside, at times in inclement weather conditions. They often work in isolated areas, and many face long commutes to and from their jobs. Falling trees and injuries sustained through strenuous lifting are common hazards for many loggers.
Line Installers and Repairers
Line installers and repairers have one of the hardest jobs in America, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The risk of death and injury to these worker is much higher than average due to daily exposure to potentially deadly hazards. Line installers must maintain their balance while carrying heavy equipment and climbing ladders. They work with live wires at great heights in high winds, driving rains and extreme temperatures, risking falls and electrocution.
Installers working underground must test for gas when entering manholes to avoid possible explosions. They are responsible for making emergency repairs when power goes out during a storm. They work long hours restoring power after a natural disaster or other catastrophe strikes.
