It was reported in 2003 that the most dangerous jobs include wood cutters, fishermen, drivers, pilots, and even vending machine attendants. It is however reported that in China coal miners have the most dangerous jobs. The industry has as more than 29 times the fatality rate than in South African coal mines and at least 99 times more than in the USA.

As a taxi driver you wouldn't expect to be killed by your passengers, but if you think about it, you are picking up strangers without doing a background check. Most First World countries have regulations regarding the safety of construction personnel, although this doesn't help much if you are dangling from a 5 storey building. Many workers in the building industry fall to their death while others are hit by moving objects such as beams or pipes. Electricians face electrocution every day, but only a small number actually die on the job. Employees that work with heavy machinery have the risk of loosing limbs. It seems that almost any type of job can be dangerous, although only a few are high paying as well. You expect high risk when you are a pilot or rescue worker, but excitement and in some cases, earnings potential makes up for the danger.

The location can also constitute danger. Countries like Angola, Colombia, Siberia and some of the Middle Eastern countries are high risk areas. Foreigners receive excellent wages for doing jobs in these areas. The country that commissioned the job normally provides extra incentives for their workers if they have to go to these areas.

Most people do these dangerous jobs because of the payment, risk, or glamour involved. Some really enjoy the work while others feel that they have a social responsibility. If you're looking for some adventure then consider one of these jobs.

Oil well fire control

The job requires long hours in extreme heat. Workers have to control oil blowouts and fires. You have to be quick and safety conscious since your life and those of fellow workers depend on it. The basic requirement is drilling experience and the ability to work in a team. Companies pay a lot to get the wells capped.

Cycle courier

Cycle couriers earn around $120 a day in busy cities like New York. You must be fit, an excellent navigator and have a cycle, medical aid and safety clothing.

Guardian

The job is not too dangerous and has some glamour to it. You protect famous persons, their children, politicians and businessmen. The pay ranges from $100 to $300 a day. Most bodyguards work for businessmen. A security or police background may come in handy. Another type of guardian is the money guard. It entails protecting cash in transit and is one of the most dangerous jobs since the robbers are normally armed.

Debt collector and bounty finder

This type of job includes finding people who jumped bail and finding people who haven't paid their debt. You will need a license. You can expect around 30% of the bounty when you find the so-called criminal. Don't be fooled, these people are not easy to find and you are not allowed to shoot at them. If you collect debt you also get a percentage of the amount.

Taxi driver

Immigrants to the USA make up the bulk of the taxi workforce. They work for themselves with no benefits. You will however meet a lot of people and work flexi hours. You need a driver's license, some communication skills, and be able to find your way around cities. Many taxi drivers are murdered and robbed. In some countries like South Africa, you may get killed for picking up passengers in a rival area.

Bomb specialist

If you enjoy blowing things up or diffusing volatile situations, then you may consider working as and explosives specialist or bomb diffuser. This includes the imploding of buildings. This type of demolition requires expert knowledge on explosives. If you follow procedures you will be safe. This however is not always the case when a bomb has to be diffused. The risk is high and one mistake can cause your death. The pay is average in both cases.

Mercenary

Mercenaries are well paid but are hated by most. The agencies normally recruit people with a military or security background. You go to places like the Angola and Uganda to aid in civil wars. It is one of the most dangerous jobs with land mines, bombs, torture, jail sentences and death as part of the package.

Firefighter

People respect firefighters due to nature of the work. It also includes rescuing people from car wreckages and dangerous places.

Land mine diffuser

It is also called a minesweeping expert. The wages are high and the job entails the detection and diffusion of land mines in Angola and the Middle East.

Police officer

The police officer face hardened criminals, domestic violence, prostitution, corruption, homicides and high speed chases. Many loose their lives or are injured on the job.

Fisherman

Fishermen face stormy seas and unreliable equipment. Many loose their lives by falling overboard or drowning. Fishermen in Alaska dive in ice cold water to catch crabs and as a result many of them perish in the icy waters.

Timber logger

It is one of the most dangerous jobs with a high mortality rate. Injuries and death occur because of trees that fall over and faulty equipment.