In today’s world, the range of job roles out there are endless, but they all carry that certain level of risk. Some jobs are comfy, carrying a low level of risk but there are other jobs, that are dangerous, requiring a certain level of courage from its applicants on a daily basis and the risks are huge. Fortunately, thanks to new technology, even the most dangerous jobs have become safer. Together, with Hydraulic Torque Wrench specialists, Hire Torque, we look at how certain roles are becoming safer through technological advances.
Taxi Driver
When we think of Taxi Driver, it may not spring to mind that it’s necessarily a dangerous job however, it can certainly have its moments. Recently, a taxi driver in Kent had to jump from his cab after two passengers doused it with petrol and set it alight following a night out. It was also confirmed by a CDC report in 2017 that taxi drivers, as well as limousine drivers, are the most likely workers to suffer a violent death due to the fact they work alone in unsociable hours and deal with cash.
However, times have changed thanks to the development of apps such as Uber which provide benefits to passenger safety, because cars can be tracked and at the same time, they help keep drivers safe too. This is because you can flip the scenario on its head – while a driver’s details are saved, so too are the passenger’s. Also, by making it an automatic card payment, the driver doesn’t deal with any cash, meaning thieves can’t target their vehicle. This payment option is now becoming standard across taxi firms who have started using an app for their bookings, too.
Deep sea saturation diver
A deep-sea saturation diver carries an obvious risk in their line of work. It’s a dangerous job and can be life threatening due to the environment you work in. The role carries a huge neurological risk long term as divers report more symptoms regarding their nervous system, with concentration difficulties and paraesthesia in hands and feet common.
Thanks to the development of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can be controlled by pilots above sea level from the support ship, these unmanned robots can allow scientists access to real time video transmission at greater depths and remove the need to dive into the sea. The advantages that are notable from these ROVs is that there are reduced human risks, affordable technology and can be deployed even in harsh environments.
Roofer
Roofing companies are rapidly becoming one of the most popular users of unmanned aircraft. It’s a job that almost everyone requires at some point, but people don’t really understand the dangers involved. It’s very physically and intellectually demanding – there’s always a risk you may fall if you climb up onto a roof. Add in the fact that the reason you’re probably up there in the first place is because it’s unsafe and you sharp get the picture. In the United Sates, there are approximately 34.7 deaths per 100,000 roofers.
Thanks to the development of drones and other unmanned aircrafts, the risk has been removed as there’s no need to physically climb up onto the roof. Not only is this safer, but it can significantly speed up the reviewing process. A great example of this is when Belfast’s Primark caught fire. With the building very unstable and still on fire, a drone was sent up to assess the damage before a human would have been able to.
Fisherman
A commercial fisherman runs the frequent risk of clashing with Mother Nature on a daily basis. In years gone by, this used to come as a surprise, but thanks to technology, crews of fishermen are able to anticipate such bad weather and fully prepare for it. While this is the case, 200 fishermen in every 100,000 were said to lose their lives in the United States in 2011. A good GPS system is crucial so that your location is always known and you’re also aware of where you’re heading. This will help you avoid any treacherous areas, while also allowing people to quickly find you in case of an emergency.
Also, it’s not just the weather that brings a battle to fisherman. With a small vessel full of dangerous equipment, including chains and sharp objects, workers in this trade must keep their wits about them at all times. This can also include the risk of electrocution due to tangled wires overhead.
Electrical Power-line installers and repairers
This job role brings the obvious risk, installers and repairers are constantly dealing with high-voltage wires while working at heights. Whether it involves climbing or using helicopters to inspect power lines, there is a risk of death on many levels. However, many companies are now providing employees with drones in their tool kit. Using these devices allows the worker to simply send the drone up and see what assets require repairing from the ground and without the need to scale the heights. This, alongside UAVs with the right sensors, allow you to detect any damaged wires that previously would have been hidden.
While risks will never be completely avoidable, it’s clear that technology is providing an element of safety for even the most dangerous job roles. What will be the next development to help these roles?
