Dangerous Jobs

Do you find yourself daydreaming about a glamorous occupation, such as a racing driver, an astronaut or a stunt double? This compelling book unravels the mysteries and exposes the pitfalls of the world’s most dangerous jobs, giving a fascinating insight into the working lives of those who regularly stare death in the face.

The success of A&E’s hit series “Deadliest Catch” and Discovery Channel’s new reality show, “The World’s Toughest Jobs” prove that Americans are fascinated with danger and the people who make it their livelihood. Here readers will find all the harrying details on dozens of the riskiest jobs on earth. Ever thought about becoming a bounty hunter? Wondered how much bullfighters make? Considered training lions or jumping out of helicopters into forest fires for some extra cash? Did you know truck drivers have steered themselves into one of the most dangerous jobs in America? Dangerous Jobs offers an entertaining and informational guide to employment for the truly adventurous soul.

Using a countdown format, describes 10 of the world's most dangerous jobs.

Mining is Britain’s oldest industry, and this book follows the men and, in the past, women who spent their lives working underground. Since the New Stone Age various minerals have been wrested from British soil – copper, tin, gold, lead – but in later periods the key commodity was coal. Those who worked in the mines were constantly battling on two fronts: there was the continual danger of flood and explosion; and the often bitter struggles against the mine owners. This story is also one of invention and innovation, looking particularly at how the independent miners of Cornwall and Devon were at the forefront of the development of the steam engine that was to transform society. This, the second book in an exciting new series looking at Britain’s most dangerous industries, is a tale of blood, sweat and death among a courageous and close-knit community that has now all but passed into history.

This is the story of the men who built Britain's canals and railways – not the engineers and the administrators but the ones who provided the brawn and muscle. There had never been a workforce like the navvies, a great army of men, moving about the country following the work as it became available. This book will tell of their extraordinary feats of strength and their often colourful lives. They lived rough, usually having to make do with huts and shelters cobbled together from whatever materials were available. They worked hard and drank hard. Often exploited by their employers, they were always liable to erupt into riots that could have fatal results. The book will look at who these men were, where they came from – and destroy the myth that they were all Irish. It is a story full of drama, but above all one of great achievements.

Describes such dangerous jobs as smoke jumper, undercover cop, test pilot, and epidemiologist and presents brief interviews with people who hold these risky jobs.

Only the most dangerous circumstances call for a visit from the SWAT team. Using special weapons and techniques, these highly trained officers keep people safe in a variety of situations. Learn what it takes to be a SWAT team member in this book for young students.