Liz Cullen's A Job to Die For' - Essay Example

In addition Cullen tend to demystify the idea that workers are responsible or at fault for their own injuries. The author also undertakes issues of workplace compensation and, people's views on dangerous jobs. In particular, her argument asserts that all jobs have equal prevalence to risk. Construction jobs are considered the most risky jobs. However there are other jobs outside the construction industry that are more risky than construction jobs. According to Cullen, susceptibility to injury is not a sufficient criterion to classify an occupation as risky or less risky (34).

The author argues that other factors such as violence, harassment, exposure to health hazards also determines the dangers associated with a certain occupation. Such factors can be either external or internal and, they have significant impacts on workers. Some jobs are more dangerous than others are, as described by Cullen. Moreover, some common occupations are even more dangerous than construction work. Fishing is more risky than most of the construction works. This is because risks associated with fishing are less predictable than those associated with construction are.

In addition, fishing is an ancient trade and, therefore people assume its risks. In an ordinary situation, an angler is exposed to risks from within the sea and outside the sea. Attacks from dangerous marine animals, storms, attacks from pirates are some of the risks associated with fishing. Lumbering is also a risky occupation since it exposes workers to bigger risks than construction works does. In most cases, workers in the sector lack protective gear hence exposing to injuries. In addition, most of the accidents in the sector are fatal and often leads to death.

The health sector also has some of the most risky professions. However, most of these risks are overlooked making health workers to appear less vulnerable. Health workers are exposed to infections making the sector equally risky. On the other hand, been an air pilot is safer than been a construction worker. This is because there fewer accidents in the aviation sector than there are in the construction industry. The existence of differences in risk across different professions is dependent on people’s perception (Cullen 64).

Moreover, the differences exist due to the different levels of development in each sector. Some industries take chances, making them more susceptible to accidents than others. For instance, the aviation industry does not take anything to chance when it comes to safety of people onboard an aircraft. This has made the aviation industry safer compared to other professions. On the other hand, the disparity in terms of safety between different occupations is related to the nature of the trade. Occupations that are inherent to humanity such as fishing tend to be more risky due to negative attitude towards safety measures.

In addition, people tend to assume bigger risks in order to increase their output or income. Thus, a fisherman will go deeper into the sea in order to maximize his catch while overlooking potential hazards. The difference between risks levels of various professions indicates that the safety of non-construction occupation can be improved. The first strategy is to educate workers on the significance of their health to both their employers and their families. Workers also need to be educated on possible causes of accident at their respective work place and the dangers of assuming health hazard.

In addition, workers need to be educated on how to protect themselves from injuries by wearing protective clothing and correct use of equipments. The government is also concerned with the health and safety of employees. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal