The 1970s were a time of significant cultural and technological change, but workplace safety regulations were still catching up. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1971, many industries continued to operate under hazardous conditions for years. Some jobs were so risky that they would be unimaginable or illegal today.
Read on for 20 of the most dangerous jobs of the 1970s, spotlighting their risks and the regulations that eventually improved worker safety.
Asbestos Miner
Mining asbestos in the ’70s meant working in poorly ventilated tunnels filled with deadly microscopic fibers. Prolonged asbestos exposure was directly linked to diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
According to a study published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), miners working with asbestos had significantly higher rates of lung-related illnesses. The eventual government ban on asbestos in the 1990s ended the job, yet the long-term health impacts remain evident today.
Coal Miner
Coal miners faced extreme hazards daily. Risks included frequent cave-ins, explosions from methane pockets, and the debilitating lung condition known as black lung disease. Data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) shows that in 1970 alone, over 260 coal miners died in work-related accidents.
Although automation and stricter safety protocols have improved this occupation, it remains one of the riskiest jobs today.
Steel Mill Worker
Steel mill workers stood close to molten metal, battling scorching heat, toxic fumes, and massive machinery. A lack of proper protective equipment compounded the dangers of heat-related injuries and crush accidents.
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated that steel mill accidents were a leading cause of occupational fatalities in industrial settings.
Chemical Plant Worker
Operating chemical plants in the 1970s frequently exposed workers to burns, poisoning, and dangerous respiratory issues. Proper ventilation systems and protective gear were sparse, leaving employees at risk.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played a significant role in introducing standards that eventually curbed these dangers.
Elevator Installer
Installing elevators required extreme precision under hazardous circumstances. Workers operated in poorly lit shafts while handling heavy counterweights and cables.
Without adequate safety harnesses, falls and injuries were commonplace. Advances in employee training and equipment have since transformed this occupation.
Smoke Stack Cleaner
Smoke stack cleaners risked their lives daily by scaling hundred-foot chimneys to scrape away soot. Working without modern harnesses left them balancing precariously on ledges, inhaling dangerous soot.
OSHA estimates that regulations introduced in the 1970s saved countless lives in this field.
Logger
Loggers worked amidst dense forests using cumbersome chainsaws with limited safety features. Falling trees, chainsaw kickbacks, and accidents in remote locations made this occupation uniquely dangerous.
According to statistics from the Forest Resources Association, loggers consistently had one of the highest fatality rates in the ’70s.
Shipyard Worker
Shipyards of the 1970s were dense with asbestos-laden insulation and unstable steel hulls. Workers used torches to cut through ships, releasing dangerous toxins.
Navy-related studies cited heightened cases of mesothelioma among shipyard laborers from this era.
Radioactive Material Transporter
Workers transporting radioactive materials were often exposed to high radiation levels due to poor shielding, inadequate packaging, and insufficient training. Leaks from improperly shielded containers and uranium concentrate spills further endangered workers and the public.
Lax safety regulations, with limited monitoring and emergency protocols, exacerbated these risks. A Department of Energy (DOE) report revealed that many early transporters lacked sufficient training to deal with spills and accidents, leading to significant health risks.
Wildcatter
Wildcatters, or oil drillers, worked under brutal conditions to tap new oil wells. Blowouts, derrick collapses, and fires were common due to the absence of robust safety practices.
Despite its lucrative appeal, the job often carried life-threatening risks with unpredictable outcomes.
Explosives Worker
In the 1970s, working with explosives was incredibly dangerous due to a lack of comprehensive safety standards. Workers often handled unstable materials without proper equipment, training, or protocols, leading to high risks of accidental detonations, injuries, and fatalities. Storage, transportation, and handling procedures were poorly regulated, and emergency plans were nearly nonexistent.
Over time, these hazards led to stricter regulations, such as those introduced by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.109), which established licensing, training, secure storage, and incident management standards. Modern laws now require qualified explosives managers, explosion-proof equipment, and ongoing risk assessments, creating far safer conditions for explosives workers compared to the 1970s.
Switchboard Operator
In the 1970s, switchboard operators faced significant dangers due to exposure to electrical hazards and a lack of safety protocols. They manually connected calls by plugging cables into switchboards, which, during storms, could conduct electricity, leading to shocks or even lightning strikes passing through the system. The repetitive and high-pressure nature of the job also caused stress and ergonomic issues.
Over time, regulations introduced safeguards like proper electrical insulation, grounding, and ergonomic workplace designs, reducing these risks. Automation eventually replaced manual switchboards, eliminating these dangers and marking a turning point in workplace safety advancements.
Chimney Sweep
Like smoke stack cleaners, chimney sweeps were exposed to hazardous substances like soot containing carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), asbestos from older building materials, and heavy dust. These exposures increased the risk of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, scrotal cancer (historically called “chimney sweep’s carcinoma”), respiratory diseases, and heart disease.
Physical dangers were also significant, as working at heights without proper fall protection often led to accidents and injuries. The lack of protective equipment and insufficient safety regulations compounded these occupational hazards.
Steeplejack
In the 1970s, steeplejacking was one of the most dangerous jobs. It involved repairing tall chimneys and structures hundreds of feet high, often on unstable, crumbling brickwork. Workers relied on poorly secured ladders and minimal fall protection, leading to frequent fatal falls. Exposure to hazardous substances and the absence of standardized safety protocols added to the risks.
These conditions changed with the introduction of the OSHA Act of 1970, which established workplace safety standards. OSHA’s regulations significantly reduced fatalities and injuries in high-risk trades like steeplejacking.
Deep-Sea Diver
In the 1970s, deep-sea diving was incredibly hazardous, with few safety protocols and limited oversight. Divers often faced severe risks like decompression sickness from rapid ascents, exposure to harmful gases, and unreliable equipment. Safety warnings from workers were frequently dismissed by employers, who pushed divers to continue despite apparent symptoms of danger.
These perilous conditions eventually led to the implementation of stricter safety measures, including required decompression procedures, dive limits, regular health screenings, and greater employer accountability. With agencies like OSHA adopting standards based on naval protocols, improvements in training, equipment, and operational practices have made deep-sea diving far safer than it once was.
Roofers
Roofing was one of the most dangerous jobs in the 1970s due to a lack of safety measures. Falls from significant heights were common, and protective equipment was rarely used. Workers also faced hazards from improperly handled tools and materials, with little guidance on mitigating these dangers.
The introduction of OSHA’s fall protection regulations in the 1990s brought about significant changes. Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems became mandatory to address falls, which were the leading cause of fatalities in the industry. Ladder safety, heat prevention, and hazard communication standards improved conditions.
Employers are now required to develop safety programs, assess risks, and provide training, fostering a culture of safety that didn’t exist decades ago.
Asbestos Removal Worker
In the 1970s, asbestos removal workers were regularly exposed to hazardous conditions that are unacceptable today. Without adequate protective gear or containment measures, these workers often inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to serious illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma years later. Mortality studies reveal significantly higher death rates among asbestos workers, particularly those in insulation and removal roles, with risks increasing over prolonged exposure.
Over time, regulations were introduced to safeguard workers. These include personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, controlled removal methods, air quality monitoring, and safe disposal practices. Organizations such as OSHA and the HSE set exposure limits and established strict safety standards, significantly reducing asbestos-related illnesses and deaths.
Construction Laborer
Back in the 1970s, being a construction laborer was incredibly dangerous. Workers dealt with unsafe scaffolding, no fall protection, exposure to asbestos and toxic materials without proper gear, and trenches that could collapse without warning. Fatal falls, unguarded machinery, and dangerous chemical exposures were all too common, and safety enforcement was minimal at best.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970 sparked a significant shift. It required employers to provide safer workplaces and set standards like fall protection, PPE requirements, and trench safety protocols. OSHA also introduced inspections, enforcement, and worker training, which led to a noticeable decrease in injuries and fatalities. Unions pushed for stronger regulations on chemical hazards, creating a safer environment for construction workers.
Railroad Worker
A century ago, working on the railroad was perilous. Near active tracks, heavy freight trains, and massive equipment often led to accidents. Communication was limited, and in 1920, a shocking 420 railway workers lost their lives on the job, according to RSSB. Track workers inspecting or maintaining railway infrastructure faced some of the highest risks.
Thankfully, advancements in signaling systems and protective practices have significantly improved safety for railroad workers today.
Firefighter
Firefighting in the 1970s was far riskier than it is now. Firefighters didn’t have the modern protective suits or breathing apparatus available today. This left them exposed to smoke, toxic chemicals, and extreme heat, significantly increasing the chances of burns and respiratory illnesses.
Today, advanced gear and improved respiratory protection have made firefighting much safer, allowing firefighters to do their life-saving work with significantly less risk.
Disclaimer – The Finance Key does not provide and does not intend to provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. The inclusion of links to third-party content is not an endorsement by The Finance Key of such content or services. Please do your due diligence and use your discretion.
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