Safety-Critical Occupations and Their Usual Preemployment Requirements

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All jobs carry their own degree of risk, but certain professions are more dangerous than others. For some employees, suffering a paper cut while organizing piles of paperwork might be their biggest worry. But workers in high-risk industries are in harm’s way almost every day, and a minor oversight could easily lead to a life-and-death situation. 

Because of the sensitive nature of their work, high-risk professions have a comprehensive preemployment process to ensure that all job candidates are qualified. Here are five safety-critical occupations and the different requirements employers usually have for their applicants. 

Lumberjacks and Loggers

Logging is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, with a fatal injury rate estimated at more than 132 for every 100,000. Lumberjacks cut down trees using dangerous equipment like chainsaws, blades, and axes. They also need to organize and transport the logs they cut down to processing plants where they will be manufactured into wood products like paper and furniture. In addition to the physical demands of the job, loggers are exposed to falling trees, branches, and other debris and potentially dangerous terrain. 

One of the most important qualifications for lumberjacks is physical strength. Since chopping, piling, and transporting wood is physically intensive, they need to have the upper body strength and quick reflexes needed for the job. Loggers also need to know how to operate equipment, like chainsaws, and vehicles, like transport trucks and bulldozers. Some logging companies require their lumberjacks to have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent certification.

Long-Haul Truck Drivers

Driving already has a lot of risks on its own, but being on the road for long distances over extended periods of time is even more dangerous. Long-haul truck drivers are at risk of fatal accidents because of the long hours they spend driving. In addition to the risk of falling asleep or becoming drowsy while driving, truck drivers also need to beat deadlines or meet quotas, which may pressure them to drive at high speeds. According to data by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the fatal injury rate of truck drivers is 24 for every 100,000. 

Because of the nature of their work, long-haul drivers are typically required to have a driver’s license and the skills to operate trucks, tractor trailers, and similar equipment. They may undergo cognitive tests to evaluate how efficient and effective they are in planning routes, managing time, making reports, and communicating with coworkers and superiors. Employers may also require them to pass a drug test or an alcohol test to ensure they are not at risk of driving under the influence.

Aircraft Pilots

Piloting aircrafts may sound like a glamorous, high-flying job, but it is among the riskiest occupations there is. Fatal injuries in this profession are estimated to be more than 40 per 100,000, says the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Being an airline pilot can be extremely high pressure; not only that, workers are subject to many different physiological, psychological, and environmental pressures. There are also aircraft risks present, which include possible engine malfunctions, payload performance, and even the presence of difficult passengers. 

Airline companies typically require their aircraft pilots to have a bachelor’s degree in fields like aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineering, or other related fields. This profession also has its corresponding licensure for commercial pilots and certification for instrument rating or airline transport pilot. Flight experience is also important, and generally, a commercial pilot’s license requires 250 hours of flight time with an additional 1,500 hours of flight time for an airline transport pilot. 

Last but not the least, employers may administer tests designed to assess the candidate’s depth perception, vision, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. 

Farmers and Agricultural Workers

Farmers and other agricultural workers are at risk of injuries and even death caused by hazards found in their environment, from disease-carrying pests to equipment malfunction. The fatal injury rate for this profession is estimated to be 22 for every 100,000. Farmers perform many labor-intensive tasks like carrying crops, operating heavy machinery, and handling dairy cattle, sheep, and pigs, among other animals. Farmers are also exposed to different weather conditions as they work outdoors, and they might need to navigate dangerous environments like rocky slopes and forests. 

You could find work as a farmer without any formal qualifications and learn on the job. However, specialized skills like crop management, farm management, and animal husbandry may be essential and can only be learned by undergoing training conducted by an experienced farmer or farm manager or by pursuing formal agricultural studies at an educational institution. Job applicants may also be required to have basic farm skills and complete physical aptitude exams to see if they have the physical strength and stamina necessary for doing labor-intensive agricultural work.