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Dangerous Green Jobs

Careers in the green collar job market are booming. Sustainable energy, conservation, environmental study – these jobs continue to be abundant and many of them prosperous. The downside is there are also some dangerous green jobs to be aware of out there, too. These jobs demand a cool head and a steady hand to be successful, as well as safe.

Wind Turbine Technician – Wind turbines have blades, electrical equipment and other elements that must be inspected and maintained. The wind turbine technician does their work from great heights in very small spaces. As sustainable wind energy technology becomes more popular, the accident rate for this job grows.

Solar System Installation and Maintenance – Someone who installs and maintains solar panel systems is in as much danger as any roofer or carpenter. Add handling heavy machinery on top of tall buildings to that risk and you’ve got a green job that requires good health insurance. This worker needs great balance and lots of sunblock.

Forester – Yes, the professional forester is at risk of injury or worse due to wildfires. This forest conservation career also comes with additional risks. Protecting animal life leads to run-ins with angry, sick or injured bears and other forest beasts. Any career that finds you working on a daily basis out in the wild is probably going to be more risky than sitting at a desk from nine to five. Unless you’re a kindergarten teacher.

Ocean Activist – This one might seem obvious, but an ocean activist doesn’t just run the risk of retaliation from the ships and oil rigs they target on the sea. This job often happens on a boat or ship. Even if you’re the bookkeeper for the activist group, if you work out on the waves your health risks jump way up. Storms at sea and major gear failures can send an activist back to solid ground pretty quickly.

Garbage and Recycling Collectors – An essential role in the green collar job market, the garbage and recycling collector has a physically strenuous job. In addition to common aches and pains, these workers can get seriously injured handling heavy and broken refuse. They are sometimes exposed to harmful toxins and hazardous wastes that aren’t disposed of properly. Every waste management worker on the front lines takes risk with their health on the job.