Making dangerous jobs safer

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WITH CERTAIN jobs, there is an element of risk. Whether it’s working at heights, which there’s a risk of falling or under the sea, involving increasing pressure to the body.

However, through technology these dangerous jobs are becoming a safer trade to be in. Together, with hydraulic torque wrench suppliers, Hire Torque, we look at how certain roles have come safer, thanks to the advance of technology.

Fisherman

Battling strong waves and winds that Mother Nature’s throws, the commercial fisherman is at risk on a daily basis. In years gone by, this used to come as a surprise, but thanks to technology, crews of fishermen are able to anticipate such bad weather and fully prepare for it. While this is the case, 200 fishermen in every 100,000 were said to lose their lives in the United States in 2011. A good GPS system is crucial so that your location is always known and you’re also aware of where you’re heading. This will help you avoid any treacherous areas, while also allowing people to quickly find you in case of an emergency.

Not only can the weather be against them. With a small vessel full of dangerous equipment, including chains and sharp objects, workers in this trade must keep their wits about them at all times. This can also include the risk of electrocution due to tangled wires overhead.

Deep sea saturation diver

Staying with our seas, another job involving our waters is deep sea saturation divers which is an obviously risky job. The role carries a huge neurological risk long term as divers report more symptoms regarding their nervous system, with concentration difficulties and paraesthesia in hands and feet common.

Fortunately, through technological advances, we now have remotely operated vehicles (ROVS) that can be controlled by pilots above the sea level from the support ship. These unmanned robots can allow scientists access to real time video transmission at greater depths and remove the need to dive into the sea. The advantages that are notable from these ROVs is that there are reduced human risks, affordable technology and can be deployed even in harsh environments.

Roofer

Unmanned aircrafts are becoming more popular for many roofing companies. It’s a job that almost everyone requires at some point, but people don’t really understand the dangers involved. It’s very physically and intellectually demanding – there’s always a risk you may fall if you climb up onto a roof. Add in the fact that the reason you’re probably up there in the first place is because it’s unsafe and you sharp get the picture. In the United Sates, there are approximately 34.7 deaths per 100,000 roofers.

Thanks to these drones and other unmanned aircrafts, these risks are significantly reduced because users don’t have to physically climb on the roof. Not only is this safer, but it can significantly speed up the reviewing process. A great example of this is when Belfast’s Primark caught fire. With the building very unstable and still on fire, a drone was sent up to assess the damage before a human would have been able to.

Taxi Drivers

A role that may have not sprung to our minds, when we think of dangerous jobs, being a taxi driver can certainly have its moments. Recently, a taxi driver in Kent had to jump from his cab after two passengers doused it with petrol and set it alight following a night out. It was also confirmed by a CDC report in 2017 that taxi drivers, as well as limousine drivers, are the most likely workers to suffer a violent death due to the fact they work alone in unsociable hours and deal with cash.

Thankfully, there are apps being used by Uber which not only brings benefits to passenger safety because they are tracked, they also help keep the drivers safe too. This is because you can flip the scenario on its head – while a driver’s details are saved, so too are the passenger’s. Also, by making it an automatic card payment, the driver doesn’t deal with any cash, meaning thieves can’t target their vehicle. This payment option is now becoming standard across taxi firms who have started using an app for their bookings, too.

Power-line installers and maintenance

Installers and repairers are constantly at risk in this job role because the job involves constantly working at heights and dealing with high-voltage wires. Whether it involves climbing or using helicopters to inspect power lines, there is a risk of death on many levels. However, many companies are now providing employees with drones in their tool kit. Using these devices allows the worker to simply send the drone up and see what assets require repairing from the ground and without the need to scale the heights. This, alongside UAVs with the right sensors, allow you to detect any damaged wires that previously would have been hidden.

With these kind of jobs, the risks will never be completely eliminated, it’s clear that technology is providing an element of safety for even the most dangerous of roles. What will be the next development to help these roles?