5 Jobs In Canada That Pay Well – Despite businesses’ best attempts to enforce tight safety regulations and supply workers with proper protective equipment, work-related fatalities nonetheless happen on a daily basis.
Here is a list of some of the riskiest careers in Canada along with an average salary for each. Just make sure you’re ready for any injuries and that the income is worth it if you’re thinking of pursuing one of these risky career paths.
Most Common Work-Related Health And Safety Hazards
You must learn to accept some degree of inherent risk if you want to launch a business or pursue a lucrative job.
We assume the risk of getting into a car accident every day when we hop in and head to work. We run the risk of getting hit by an automobile every time we cross a major city roadway.
Life is full with danger, which is unavoidable in the long run. Still, there are vocations and jobs that carry a notably higher risk of injury than others.
The following are some of the most typical health and safety risks associated with dangerous employment that employees must deal with:
– Falls: Occupations like roofers, construction workers, and electricians are frequently exposed to the risk of falling from significant heights
– Biological Hazards: First responders, along with healthcare and sanitation workers, are often exposed to bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous materials
– Chemical Exposure: Workers in chemical plants, miners, and some manufacturing jobs face hazards related to chemical exposure, which can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases, chronic illnesses
– Heavy Machinery Accidents: Those involved in logging, construction, and agriculture often work around heavy machinery, presenting a risk of equipment-related accidents
– Electrocution: Electricians and power-line installers face the risk of electrocution, which can be fatal or lead to serious injuries
– Extreme Weather Conditions: Fishermen working in icy conditions and firefighters combating blazes deal with extreme environmental conditions, increasing their risk of hypothermia or heat-related illnesses
– Violence and Physical Harm: Police officers, healthcare workers in emergency departments, and similar professions are at risk of physical attacks
– Stress and Fatigue: Long-haul truck drivers and pilots who work extended hours are prone to stress and fatigue, which can lead to cognitive impairments, affecting their performance and safety
It’s interesting to note that one of the biggest risks to health and safety at work is asbestos exposure. Every year, asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of more than 500 Canadians (mainly cancer and mesothelioma).
Apart from Canadians who reside in older homes that contain asbestos, a large number of roofers, insulation specialists, home inspectors and construction workers have all been exposed to the once-common building material and have become seriously ill as a result.
The Most Dangerous Jobs In Canada (And How Much They Pay)
1. Logger/Arbhorist
Average Salary: $44,155
Primary dangers: Falling objects and dangerous equipment
The forestry industry involves the use of heavy machinery, chainsaws, and other potentially hazardous equipment. All of these pose substantial safety risks to workers, from general labourers to skilled arborists.
One of the most imminent threats is falling objects, such as branches or even entire trees, which can cause severe or fatal injuries.
The outdoor work environment, often in remote locations, adds another layer of complexity for immediate medical assistance in case of emergencies.
Overall, the combination of machinery, unpredictable natural elements, and isolation contribute to making logging a high-risk profession.
2. Construction Labourer
Average Salary: $45,349
Primary dangers: Heat exhaustion, falling, dangerous tools, muscular strain/injury
One of every five worker deaths in Canada are related to the construction industry, according to W. B. White Insurance, making this one of the most dangerous jobs in Canada by far.
Construction workers face numerous hazards, particularly when working on construction sites for large commercial buildings.
Power tools and heavy machinery, in particular, pose risks from cuts and lacerations to more severe injuries.
Additionally, the outdoor setting often exposes workers to the elements.
From heat exhaustion in the peak summer months to the potential for slip-and-fall accidents in winter ice storms, workers must remain vigilant at all times to prevent disaster on construction sites.
3. Powerline Technician
Average Salary: $89,752
Primary dangers: Electrocution, falling
Being a household electrician comes with its fair share of minor risks, such as electrocution from outlets or falling off of a ladder. However, power line workers face immense danger on a daily basis.
The electrical shock that can come from high-voltage power lines is so powerful that it can literally blow off your limbs.
These workers are paid very well for their work and are an essential part of maintaining daily electrical operations.
When severe winter storms knock down power lines, they’re the first to respond, often performing last-minute repairs in sub-zero temperatures so people like you and I can stay warm in our homes.
4. Police Officer
Average Salary: $85,299
Primary dangers: Violent attacks, motor vehicle incidents, exposure to hazardous materials
Police officers face a variety of risks in their daily jobs, including potential encounters with armed criminals, gun violence, high-speed chases, and domestic disputes that can escalate unpredictably.
Patrol officers often spend much of their day driving, which can increase their risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The constant threat of violence and the need for quick decision-making under stress make it a particularly dangerous job.
5. Firefighter
Average Salary: $141,369
Primary dangers: Falling, suffocation, severe burns
Fighting fires is one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Fire is an all-consuming force that even the best protective gear can’t always shield firefighters from.
Most firefighters start off as trained EMTs and can provide emergency medical response and fight fires.
When they rush into burning buildings to save people, they’re exposed to incredibly high temperatures, loose electrical lines, high-pressure steam, and smoke that contains potentially deadly fumes.
The training to become a firefighter is incredibly intense, and few make the cut. The ones who do are able to earn a very fair living, though.