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Myth 8
The skilled trades are extremely dangerous
It is true that jobs in the skilled trades can carry a higher level of
safety risk than, say, the average job in an office. On lists of the
most dangerous jobs in the United States, you’ll often find careers
in construction, agriculture, mining, and more.
Absolutely, things like welding, working at heights to maintain a
power line, or working with high-voltage electricity are all tasks
that can be dangerous. However, there are two important factors to
consider here.
First, developing the skills necessary to work in the skilled trades
means learning safety protocols along the way. A huge part of
becoming educated, certified, experienced—and ultimately skilled—
in the skilled trades is about not only learning how to do the work
but also how to do it in a way that doesn’t put yourself or anyone
else at risk.
Second, employers in the skilled trades often have some of the
highest safety requirements of any businesses. Government and
industry-driven regulations regarding occupational health and
safety are extremely stringent across most skilled trades, and busi-
nesses are monitored by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) for violations of these regulations. An employer that
“willfully or repeatedly” violates OSHA requirements can face steep
fines and other consequences.
Additionally, job seekers in the trades often pay attention to compa-
nies’ safety records when interviewing for positions. Today’s trades
employees want to know they are going to work with a company
that values their safety. Given that employers in the trades are
already competing with one another for the limited number of
skilled worked who are out there, it stands to reason that these
businesses would ramp up their safety efforts in order to be as
attractive as possible to prospective employees.