Some jobs intrinsically have more health risks than others. A nurse working in a hospital is far more likely to catch an infectious disease than a lawyer working in an office.
To rank the most unhealthy jobs in America, we used data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a U.S. Department of Labor database full of detailed information on occupations.
In order to analyze jobs by their impact on workers’ health, we took O*NET measures of six health risks in each of the 974 occupations in the database: exposure to contaminants; exposure to disease and infection; exposure to hazardous conditions; exposure to radiation; risk of minor burns, cuts, bites, and stings; and time spent sitting, since studies show that frequent inactivity shortens your lifespan. O*NET scores these factors on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
15. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Overall unhealthiness score: 55.0
What they do: Collect and dump refuse and recyclable materials into trucks.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 97
Time spent sitting: 69
Exposure to disease and infections: 63
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
14. Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians
Overall unhealthiness score: 55.2
What they do: Operate equipment used for the release, control, or utilization of nuclear energy to assist scientists in laboratory or production activities.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to radiation: 89
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 77
Exposure to contaminants: 65
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
13. Medical, Clinical, and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Overall unhealthiness score: 55.3
What they do: Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 96
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 69
Exposure to contaminants: 68
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
12. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Overall unhealthiness score: 55.7
What they do: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Top three health risks:
Time spent sitting: 93
Exposure to radiation: 73
Exposure to contaminants: 68
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
11. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Overall unhealthiness score: 56.0
What they do: Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through a drill hole.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 100
Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 93
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 91
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
10. Surgical Technologists
Overall unhealthiness score: 57.3
What they do: Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 82
Exposure to contaminants: 81
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 59
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
9. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Overall unhealthiness score: 57.7
What they do: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 99
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 89
Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 84
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
8. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Overall unhealthiness score: 58.2
What they do: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 97
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 80
Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 74
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
7. Immigration and Customs Inspectors
Overall unhealthiness score: 59.3
What they do: Investigate and inspect people, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the U.S. or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 78
Exposure to disease and infections: 63
Exposure to radiation: 62
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
6. Podiatrists
Overall unhealthiness score: 60.2
What they do: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 87
Exposure to radiation: 69
Time spent sitting: 61
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
5. Veterinarians and Veterinary Assistants/Technologists
Overall unhealthiness score: 60.3
What they do: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals and perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 81
Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 75
Exposure to contaminants: 74
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
4. Anesthesiologists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Anesthesiologist Assistants
Overall unhealthiness score: 61.8
What they do: Administer anesthetic or sedation during medical procedures, using local, intravenous, spinal, or caudal methods or administer anesthetic, adjuvant, or accessory drugs under the direction of an anesthesiologist.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 94
Exposure to contaminants: 79
Exposure to radiation: 71.8
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
3. Flight Attendants
Overall unhealthiness score: 62.3
What they do: Provide personal services to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers during flight. Greet passengers, verify tickets, explain use of safety equipment, and serve food or beverages.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to contaminants: 88
Exposure to disease and infections: 77
Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 69
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
2. Dentists and Dental Hygienists/Assistants and Dental Lab Technicians
Overall unhealthiness score: 62.9
What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to disease and infections: 87.8
Exposure to contaminants: 76.2
Time spent sitting: 73.6
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
1. Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians
Overall unhealthiness score: 63.8
What they do: Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists.
Top three health risks:
Exposure to hazardous conditions: 94
Exposure to contaminants: 91
Exposure to disease and infections: 75
The ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We averaged each occupation’s scores across six categories of health risks — exposure to contaminants, disease and infection, hazardous conditions, radiation, risk of minor injuries, and time spent sitting — for an overall unhealthiness score on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating an increased health risk.
View the original posting at Business Insider
