Impact on Health and Well-being

CORE CONTENT | 1.5 min read

High-risk jobs are those that pose significant threats to physical and psychological well-being. Occupations like construction work, some factory roles, firefighting, and emergency healthcare, for example, involve physical dangers such as falls, burns, and exposure to harmful substances. Law enforcement and military roles often combine physical risks with high-stress situations. A case worker (social worker) who aids those experiencing extreme cases of abuse or poverty may experience a constant state of emotional strain. If you are working in a situation where you receive constant threats—anything from a celebrity to a politician to a care provider in a psychiatric ward—that can also take a toll. Even roles that place you in constant contact with those near the end of their life (e.g., nursing home aids) can be overwhelming for some.

Constant exposure to stress, traumatic events, and life-threatening situations can lead to mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It’s vital for workers in these fields to have access to mental health support, learn coping mechanisms, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Understanding the nature of these risks and, more importantly, understanding yourself is crucial for anyone considering high-risk jobs.

Hazard Pay

Hazard pay is additional compensation provided to employees who perform work that involves physical hardship or exposure to dangerous conditions beyond the normal duties of their job. It's designed to compensate for the risk and stress associated with working in high-risk environments. Hazard pay rates and eligibility criteria can vary depending on the employer, industry, and specific job conditions. To receive hazard pay, employees typically need to work in a role that's officially recognized as hazardous by their employer or as per industry standards. Union contracts, government regulations, or company policies often outline the terms for hazard pay.

Other Stressors

Jobs can be overwhelming or intense in other ways as well. For example, a job that requires you to sacrifice work life balance could lead to burnout. That may look like long hours or even work that you take home with you. Moreover, companies with cultures of bullying or harassment can absolutely cause psychological damage.

REAL WORLD EXAMPLE | 0.2 min read

ACTUAL CASE STUDY

A 2022 Military.com article outlines levels of hazard pay ($150-$240 monthly) which specific military members may be eligible to receive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS | 0.2 min read

• High-risk jobs are those that pose significant threats to physical and psychological wellbeing.
• Some companies provide hazard pay to workers performing high-risk jobs.
• Jobs can be draining in a number of ways, even those which are not traditionally thought of as emotionally draining or intense.

PRACTICE | 3 min thought exercise

Self-reflect. What personal limits, pre-existing conditions, and past experiences would dissuade you from taking specific jobs? Are you able and willing to undergo rigorous training and adhere to the strict safety protocols high-risk jobs require? Keep these considerations in mind when pursuing high-risk work.

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