Posted on 04/10/2004 6:46:39 PM PDT by FreedomCalls
We all have an impression of what constitutes a dangerous job. Usually we base our feelings on three types of information. First, what we actually experience, since we all face various hazards during our daily tasks. Second, we all read and watch news accounts of mishaps. Third, we see different lists, charts and graphs that depict who gets killed and how frequently.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released one snapshot, based on 2002 data of on-the-job fatalities per 100,000 workers. The verdict: people who cut down trees, with a rate of 118 deaths per 100,000 workers. This is more than 26 times the average of all workers.
Commercial fishermen were second, with 71 deaths per 100K workers (drowning was the most common cause). Commercial pilots were third (70 per 100K, with most of the deaths in general aviation, with bush pilots, air-taxi pilots and crop-dusters producing spikes in the data far higher than the rate for airline pilots).
Structural-metal workerssuch as the people who build skyscrapers and bridgeswere fourth, with a rate of 58 per 100K. And fifth on the list were sales personnel who drive as a main part of their job (such as pizza delivery or servicing vending machines), with traffic wrecks, robberies and assaults as major factors.
The occupation with the highest total number of deathstruck drivers, with 808had a rate of 25 per 100K.
For the record, the Navy rate for on-duty deaths is 9.37, and the Marine Corps rate is 21.75.
Make that four - Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy.
I suppose that's because the Navy and the Marine Corps -- despite the efforts of some running for president who have repeated attempted to cut fund for new weapons system and training -- have managed to become better trained than lumberjack and truckers.
Some white collar work has to be downright unhealthy.
I heard something a few years ago about the short life expectancy of pro-football players.
100,000 deaths per..100,000
I guess I lead a sheltered lifestyle. I never heard the term before. Thanks for the input.
Could you explain how you did that calculation?
First see post 23--four were murdered. Reagan was shot but survived, so that doesn't count as a murder although it adds to the danger.
I get 4 job-related deaths in 215 years. If I divide 100,000 man-years by 215 and multiply by 4, the result is 1860 job related deaths per 100,000 man-years.
This clearly tops the chart for job-related deaths.
Also, a certain Richard Lawrence took two shots at Andrew Jackson in 1835. The gun misfired both times, and Jackson attacked Lawrence with his walking stick before he was arrested. Like John W. Hinckley, Lawrence was committed to the loony bin.
Then there was that guy in 1994 who flew a Cessna into the White House lawn.
And in 1974, a guy tried to hijack an airliner to fly into the White House. He shot the pilot and copilot, but was stopped by police before he could take off.
And let's not forget Guiseppe Zangara, who got off five shots at FDR during a 1933 motorcade in Florida, missed the president, but succeeded in murdering mayor Anton Cermak of Chicago. Zangara fried in Old Sparky a scant five weeks later.
chainsaw use and kickback.
Lots of deaths here in the Pacific Northwest because of this....a friend's young son last year, in fact.
Kickback is one of the greatest saw hazards. It occurs when a force throws the saw rapidly and sometimes uncontrollably towards you. It is a very violent and sudden motion which can severely or fatally injure you. There are several causes:
* an abrupt change in wood character -- hitting a knot or a nail
* striking a nearby limb with the tip of the moving chain while cutting
* running the chain too slowly
* twisting the saw in your cut so the chain grabs
* using a dull or loose chain
* having a loose grip on the saw or cutting with only one hand
* not paying attention
But kickback can be prevented by a few steps and precautions on your part. These DO NOT PREVENT kickback completely, but they do reduce the possibility of it happening to you.
* Always hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep the left arm as straight and stable as possible
* Use a saw equipped with a chain brake, anti-kickback chain, or other Anti-kickback devices.
* BUT, do not rely exclusively upon safety devices.
* Watch for twigs that can snag the chain -- the area should be free from any obstructions.
* Cut with the lower part of the saw blade-not with the tip or nose.
* Maintain a high saw speed when entering, cutting and leaving the wood cut.
* Keep the chain sharp.
* DO NOT cut above mid chest height -- the saw is too close to your face.
* DO NOT cut brush or shrubbery.
* Use only replacement bars specified by the manufacturer.
This post in memory of my friend's son, killed by kickback at age 21 last year while working as a professional tree cutter.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.