Some good paying jobs in the Bay area come with a risk.
ABC Action News is uncovering the area’s most dangerous occupations, according to data provided by the federal government.
Before the catch of the day is on shore and sorted for sale, a crew chartered unpredictable conditions miles offshore.
George Greene has made his living out at sea for more than two decades.
“You are not at the top of the food chain no more,” said Greene. And you’re at the mercy of the elements like the weather, water."
Commercial fishing ranks second - only behind logging - for highest work-related fatalities in the U.S.
Life on the sea chalked up 80 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers in 2014.
Pilots, roofers, and truck drivers also make the list for high-risk occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 4,600 on-the-job deaths in 20-14.
“That’s more than the entire ten years of the Iraqi War,” said USF professor Paul Spector. “So every year we basically have the casualties in the workplace of a war.”
A powerful storm sent David Nagelski swimming 18 miles from shore two years ago.
It was two hours before another boat came to the rescue.
“I could have easily died,” said Nagelski.
But fishermen in Tarpon Springs admit that their 9 to 5 is worth the risk.
“The money, the money,” said Greene. “I can’t complain when the checks come through.”
For more information on dangerous jobs, visit the U.S. Labor Statistics census on fatal occupational injuries.
