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Top 10 most dangerous jobs in Australia revealed

Stuart Marsh
Stuart Marsh

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Top 10 most dangerous jobs
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Top 10 most dangerous jobs

They are the jobs that keep Australia running - but they come with risks most of us would not face in a lifetime.

According to data from Safe Work Australia, compiled and analysed by job search site SEEK, these are the top 10 jobs that carry the most risk to life and limb.

In no particular order, these are the top 10 most dangerous occupations, on average, in the country.

Attribution: Supplied
Logging / forestry work
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Logging / forestry work

Being a logger carries a unique set of risks - aside from the incredibly heavy trees that are cut down, forestry workers also frequently use very sharp and powerful power tools on uneven ground.

Attribution: 9News
Roofing
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Roofing

The risk in roofing as are numerous as they are obvious: working at heights on uneven surfaces increases the risk of a fall.

Roofers are also exposed to the worst of weather - from baking hot summer days to cold and slippery winter mornings.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Farmer
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Farmer

Long hours, heavy machinery and huge distances mean farming is a dangerous job.

Often required to be a jack-of-all-trades, farmers are also frequently far away from medical help if something were to go wrong.

Attribution: Getty
Mining
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Mining

From working deep underground, to using explosives and ultra-heavy machinery, mining can be a dangerous occupation.

As well as the physical risks, there is also a distinct risk of mental injury given the remoteness of most mining operations.

Attribution: Glenn Campbell
Lineworker
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Lineworker

Electrical linesman are confronted with risks every day they work. From working at great heights to the obvious risk of extremely high voltage, their occupation ranks in the top 10 of the nation's most dangerous.

Attribution: 9NEWS
Firefighter
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Firefighter

The role of firefighters is well known. At any point on shift they could be asked to risk their life to save and protect members of the community.

While running into a burning building is an obvious risk, emerging research into the prolonged exposure to burning materials and chemicals is increasing the risk of the role.

Attribution: Fire and Rescue NSW
Police officer
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Police officer

Police officers around the country are confronted with risks with every job they attend to.

While interacting with criminals and the general public carries obvious risk, there is also the mental toll taken on by seeing the often harsher side of life.

Attribution: Eddie Jim/Fairfax Media
Oil and gas workers
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Oil and gas workers

Workers on oil and gas operations are frequently exposed to dangerous risks - from spinning heavy machinery to remote locations, their job ranks among the nation's most dangerous.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Commercial fishers
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Commercial fishers

Early starts on the high seas carry a unique set of risks: from an incredibly unstable work surface, commercial fishers are required to handle heavy fish traps, ropes and nets.

Not to mention the risk of stings and bites from creatures they pull from the deep.

Attribution: AP
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