KILLER CAREERS

Living on the Edge: 10 Of The World’s Most Dangerous Professions

Credit: Dominik Sostmann

Some say that without risk there is no reward. While this might not always be true, it certainly is for some of these dangerous professions, where workers have to deal with a daily dose of peril. And in many cases, these brave individuals are precisely the ones who keep our modern world functioning.

Let’s explore ten hazardous occupations where every day on the job is a brush with danger.

Credit: NOAA

As exciting as it might be, commercial fishing ranks among the deadliest professions globally, with a fatality rate so high that it might discourage even the bravest souls. In addition to the inherent dangers of the sea, the combination of unpredictable weather, heavy equipment, and remote locations makes it extremely perilous. Even with modern safety measures, accidents like capsizing or entanglement in fishing gear are sadly common.

Credit: Yusuf Onuk

Logging necessarily involves working with heavy machinery and handling sharp tools in rugged terrains. Falling trees, equipment malfunctions, and transportation accidents pose significant risks. Despite advancements in safety protocols, logging remains one of the most hazardous occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation had a fatal work injury rate of 82 per 100,000 in 2021.

Credit: Marino Linic

Snake milkers extract venom from some of the world's deadliest serpents to produce life-saving antivenom. This perilous profession involves handling venomous snakes with precision and care. One wrong move could result in a lethal bite, making each milking session a dance with danger. More often than not, however, snake milkers are trained herpetologists who know a lot about the behavior of the venomous reptiles they work with.

Credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Mining is a profession fraught with dangers, such as cave-ins, explosions, and exposure to toxic gasses. Miners also face long-term health risks from dust inhalation leading to conditions like black lung disease. Despite stringent safety regulations, the inherent hazards of working underground make mining a perilous - although sometimes profitable - occupation.

Credit: Connor Betts

Firefighters risk their lives every day battling blazes and all sorts of natural and man-made disasters, having to deal with unpredictable and hazardous conditions. From collapsing structures to toxic smoke inhalation, firefighters certainly don’t have it easy. Often, however, the opportunity to save lives and help others is more than enough to motivate these fearless first responders.

Credit: Dan Meyers

There is a reason few people dare work in waste management positions. Workers in this field have to face numerous risks, including exposure to toxic materials, heavy machinery accidents, and vehicle-related incidents. Also, the risks vary wildly depending on the type of waste being disposed of. For example, waste removal workers who work with radioactive materials might have to periodically check in with a doctor and control their radiation poisoning levels.

Credit: American Public Power Association

Electrical linemen quite literally keep our world functioning, and to do so they have to face enormous risks on a daily basis. These individuals are often highly skilled and attentive to detail - because if anything goes wrong, the price to pay might be too high. Working on electrical powerlines often exposes workers to the risk of electrocution or falls from great heights, and when doing maintenance during inclement weather is required, the inherent danger associated with the profession increases sharply.

Credit: Vlad Tchompalov

Commercial divers undertake tasks such as underwater welding and maintenance, exposing them to risks like decompression sickness, equipment failure, and all kinds of underwater hazards. Sometimes, the remote nature of the jobs also means they have to spend long periods of time away from family and friends, and with limited ability to communicate with them.

Credit: Nuno Silva

This job is not for the faint-hearted. Cleaning windows at great heights, precariously dangling from a rope, requires nerves of steel and a calm disposition. Suspended hundreds of feet above ground, these brave professionals have to maneuver on small platforms to be able to reach the outside surfaces of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Although nowadays stringent safety measures make the job safer than ever, the risk of falls and equipment malfunctions is ever-present.

Credit: Dulcey Lima

Professional bull riding is for those who think you can’t have fun without taking some risks. Trying to ride a massive, unpredictable animal - such as an enraged bull - is not an easy challenge, and these athletes endure an awful amount of bucking and thrashing just for mere seconds of glory. With the potential of being trampled or caught by the animal’s horns, this dangerous sport is a test of courage and resilience.

TINY KINGDOMS

10 Intriguing Micronations and Their Quirky Backstories

Credit: Suhash Villuri

Micronations, pint-sized realms existing within established borders or in remote corners of the globe, are intriguing political entities that highlight the nuances of the concept of sovereignty on which modern nations are founded.

And behind each micronation, there are fascinating tales of independence, eccentric leaders, and all sorts of political pursuits. In this article, we will uncover the stories of 10 micronations that - in one way or another - tried to have an effect on the real world.

Credit: Ashley Dace, CC BY-SA 2.0

Location: North Sea, near Suffolk, England

One of the best-known and most successful micronations, the Principality of Sealand is located in a decommissioned WWII sea fort in the North Sea waters, a few miles off the coast of England. It was established by Paddy Roy Bates in 1967, a British citizen who originally intended to use it to broadcast a pirate radio.

Instead, he declared the independence of his tiny platform and proceeded to aggressively fend off anyone who tried to approach it without his permission. The controversial journey of the self-declared Principality is almost beyond belief, as it includes mercenary attacks, hostage crises, and a de facto recognition by the United Kingdom.

Credit: Kenan Sulayman

Location: Near Dayton, Nevada

In the heart of Nevada, President Kevin Baugh presides over Molossia, a micronation complete with its own constitution, currency, and an ongoing war with the former state of East Germany. According to Baugh, a technicality allows the war to keep going despite the dissolution of the GDR - you can even buy war bonds on the official website!

A teenage dream fulfilled, Baugh and his country have been featured in various media, and his eccentric enclave is a popular attraction in the area.

Credit: Jametlene Reskp

Location: Key West, Florida

This seaside micronation was born in 1982 as a humorous means of protest over various inconveniences that the Key West inhabitants faced from the federal government, particularly regarding a number of U.S. Border Patrol roadblocks that were hurting their vital tourism industry.

Amazingly, the hilarious stunt worked, as the roadblock was removed afterward. However, the Conch Republic still proudly boasts its own passports and navy, while waging a cold war against the United States - all in good humor and as a way of incentivizing tourism in the area.

Credit: Joachim Pressl

Location: Between Croatia and Serbia

Founded on an allegedly unclaimed stretch of the Danube River in 2015, Liberland champions the libertarian ideals of its founder, Vít Jedlička - a member of the Czech Party of Free Citizens. Jedlička dreams of creating a state that rejects traditional bureaucracy and emphasizes personal freedoms.

However, the government of Croatia is not very happy with the attempts of the purported Liberland citizens to visit their claimed territory and has frequently arrested and charged Jedlička and his collaborators for illegal border crossing.

Credit: Chris Fithall from Ballarat, CC BY 2.0

Location: Near Northampton, Western Australia

In 1970, Australian farmer Leonard Casley declared his farm's independence due to a wheat quota dispute with the government. Originally called the Hutt River Province, Casley began styling himself as "Prince Leonard," also granting royal titles to his family members.

This micronation issued its own currency, stamps, and passports, and with an area of 29 sq mi, the claimed territory was indeed larger than many recognized countries. The site was a popular tourist attraction, but in 2020 the Principality was dissolved due to unresolved tax disputes with the Australian government.

Credit: Ahmed Zayan

Location: The Internet and Montreal, Canada

Existing primarily in the digital realm, the Aerican Empire boasts territory on Earth, Mars, and various imaginary planets. Its creative and lighthearted approach to micronationalism—its national motto is "The world is ridiculous; let’s keep it that way" and its flag is adorned by a smiley face—has attracted attention from journalists and aspiring citizens from all over the world.

Its emperor and founder, a Canadian man called Eris Lis, has a day job as a psychiatrist, but this, does not stop him from organizing all sorts of activities related to the micronation. The group even developed a joke religion called Silinism that "encourages people to be more silly."

Credit: Frances Gunn

Location: Sidney, Australia

Described as a "secular humanist utopia," Atlantium was founded in Sydney in 1981 by a group of teenage friends. It has its own constitution and currency, and unlike other micronations actively involves itself in the political issues of its resident country, even awarding "Imperial Honors" to non-members in recognition of their service to local communities.

With a territory divided among the various properties of the micronation’s founders, almost 3,000 "citizens" as of 2015, and many "unaccredited diplomatic representatives" in several countries, Atlantium presents itself as a serious venture in the world of micronations.

Credit: Cassie Matias

Location: Antarctica

In 2001, actor and former seaman of the U.S. Navy Travis McHenry declared himself Grand Duke over a portion of West Antarctica, a large stretch of territory that remains unclaimed by any recognized country.

A few years later, McHenry founded another micronation called Calsahara in Southern California, but he eventually linked both projects when Calsahara was "annexed" by Westartica. From 2014 onwards, Westartica exists as a non-profit organization that advocates for Antarctic wildlife protection and conservation, as well as for research into climate change.

Credit: John Schnobrich

Location: The Internet

Founded in 2008, Wirtland operates as a completely virtual nation with thousands of citizens across the globe. Its founders sought to create a state unbound by geography, where its citizens would be able to connect through cyberspace.

In 2019, Wirtland's ruler tried selling the micronation on eBay and was contacted by Travis McHenry from Westarctica, who was interested in annexing the virtual nation as a colony of sorts. However, the sale was never realized, as Wirtland’s citizens revolted immediately against the idea of a third party getting hold of their personal data.

Credit: דוד שי, CC BY-SA 4.0

Location: Between Israel and Lebanon

After the Israeli government threatened to demolish Eli Avivi’s home in the ancient port city of Achziv, he protested by founding the micronation of Akhzivland inside the ruins of the city, setting up a museum and a hostel. The micronation became a hip tourist spot, attracting various artists and countercultural figures including Sophia Loren and Paul Newman.

After founding Akhzivland, Avivi was initially arrested but released 10 days later as the charge of "Creating a Country Without Permission" was deemed nonexistent. Following a lawsuit against the Israeli government, the court granted Avivi a 99-year lease on the area.