The most dangerous jobs in history

While no job is completely risk free, there are some roles that are a lot more hazardous than others. Still, when it comes to health and safety in the workplace, we’ve come a long way over the years.

In this article, we take a look back at some of the most dangerous jobs in history and explore the risks involved with each. From the chariot racers of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, to the body collectors during the Bubonic plague in the 1300s, to the matchgirls of the 1800s and 1900s, we consider what kind of compensation payouts these workers would be entitled to if they suffered some of the most common work-related accidents and injuries of their day in 2020.

Highest compensation payouts

Violent death

So, who on our list would be entitled to the biggest payout? That award goes to the medieval monarchs of Europe, who were 700 times more likely to be violently killed than the average citizen. If these monarchs were to suffer the same fate today, their next of kin would be entitled to a maximum payout of half a million pounds.

Head injuries and brain damage

Next up are the Ancient Greek and Roman chariot racers, whose work saw them colliding with other racers, falling from their chariots, being entangled in reins, being trampled on and, sometimes, being dragged to their death. Due to the extremely perilous nature of the job, these racers were at risk of a whole host of accidents and injuries, including head trauma and brain damage. If workers were to sustain these types of serious injuries in the present day, they’d be entitled to up to £379,100.

Hatmakers of the 1700s and 1800s, whose work left them vulnerable to mercury poisoning, and women who worked in match factories in the 1800s and early 1900s, who were exposed to white phosphorus as they carried out their tasks, were also at risk of brain damage. Like the Ancient Greek and Roman chariot racers, they would be able to claim up to £379,100 if they were to experience the same injuries today.

Greek and Roman chariot racers

When: Ancient Greek and Roman empires

Pay: High

Common accidents/illnesses: Collisions, falls

A celebrated sport in Ancient Greece and Rome, chariot racing involved lightweight, two-wheeled rigs that were pulled by horses. It was fast-paced and dangerous. Collisions were common, and because riders were tied to the reins by their wrists, if they fell from their chariots, they were often dragged along the ground.

Leech collectors

When: 1800s

Pay: Low

Common accidents/illnesses: Infections, blood loss

Leeches were in high demand among doctors in the early 1800s because it was believed that bloodletting would help to cure patients of a range of conditions. To meet this demand, collectors would wade into ponds to attract the leeches to their bare legs.

Bubonic plague body collectors

When: Mid-1300s

Pay: Medium

Common accidents/illnesses: Contraction of bubonic plague

When the Black Death struck Europe in the middle of the 14^th century, bodies quickly piled up. Collectors had the gruesome task of moving these corpses to mass burial sites. They were at risk of contracting the disease simply by touching the belongings of a victim.

Child chimney sweeps

When: 1700s, 1800s

Pay: Low

Common accidents/illnesses: Falls, respiratory problems, cancer

Cleaning the coal residue from the inside of narrow chimneys was a difficult and dangerous task. Because of their small size, children were often used for this job.  Fatal falls were common, and the toxic soot caused a range of health problems.

Hatmakers

When: 1700s, 1800s

Pay: Medium

Common accidents/illnesses: Mercury poisoning

Hatters treated the animal fur used to make hats with mercury to make it stick together. This metal is extremely toxic and, when inhaled, it goes straight to the brain. Hatmakers often suffered neuromotor problems such as shaking, and they could develop psychological issues like paranoia.

Matchgirls

When: 1800s, early 1900s

Pay: Low

Common accidents/illnesses: Tooth, gum and jawbone problems, brain damage

In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, women working in match factories were exposed to white phosphorus. This caused a condition known as ‘phossy jaw’, with symptoms including toothaches, swelling of the gums and sometimes a green or white glow in the affected bones. It could also lead to brain damage.

Medieval monarchs

When: Middle Ages through to 1800

Pay: High

Common accidents/illnesses: Violent death

They may have been rich and powerful, but historically kings and queens were also in significant danger. According to research by Cambridge professor Manuel Eisner, between 600 and 1800 AD, European monarchs were 700 times more likely than their subjects to be violently killed.

Conclusion

From collisions and falls to exposure to poisons and contagions, these jobs certainly had their fair share of dangers. Thankfully, occupations like these are long gone and workers in the UK and many other parts of the world can now expect much higher levels of health and safety.