Why Underwater Welding Is The Deadliest Job In The World | Risky Business | Business Insider

Summary

Underwater welding in Indonesia is one of the world’s most dangerous jobs, offering high pay but extreme risks. Suhendra and his mentee Rangga dive in the Indian Ocean to attach sacrificial anodes to support a $39 billion petrochemical plant. With minimal protective gear, they face electrical shocks, decompression hazards, and high-pressure conditions. The work supports Indonesia’s booming oil and petrochemical industry, which promises economic growth and thousands of jobs but also raises severe environmental concerns, including pollution, toxic emissions, and health impacts. Suhendra’s story highlights the tension between earning a livelihood and protecting the environment for future generations.

Takeaways

• ⚡ Underwater welding is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world due to the risk of lethal electric shocks and decompression sickness.
• 💰 Despite the risks, Indonesian underwater welders can earn up to $15,000 per week, making it a highly lucrative profession.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Divers like Suhendra leave their families behind, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in this work.
• 🔧 The main task involves attaching sacrificial anodes to iron pillars to protect larger structures from corrosion.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Divers work closely with mentees or partners, relying on hand signals and precise coordination under challenging conditions.
• 🏗️ The work supports major infrastructure projects, including bridges, oil pipelines, and a $39 billion petrochemical plant.
• 🏭 Indonesia is rapidly expanding its petrochemical industry, incentivized by tax breaks and government support.
• 🌍 Industrial growth comes with environmental costs, including severe air and water pollution, plastics production, and ecosystem damage.
• ⚠️ Safety standards in Indonesia are minimal compared to countries like the US, increasing the fatality risk for workers.
• 📈 Economic opportunity often outweighs environmental concerns for local populations, with poverty driving many to accept high-risk jobs.
• 🧬 The work has long-term human impacts, as divers worry about future pollution affecting their children and the next generation of workers.

Q & A

Why is underwater welding considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world?

Underwater welding is considered one of the most dangerous jobs due to the combination of working with high-voltage electricity, being submerged underwater, and dealing with minimal protective gear. A simple slip or mistake can lead to fatal accidents, such as electrocution or decompression sickness.

What is the purpose of the sacrificial anode in underwater welding?

The sacrificial anode, typically made from more reactive metals like zinc or aluminum, is attached to iron pillars to prevent corrosion. It is designed to corrode in place of the main structure, thus preserving the integrity of the underlying iron over time.

How much can underwater welders earn in Indonesia, and why is the job so well-paid?

Underwater welders in Indonesia can earn up to $15,000 in just one week. The high pay is due to the dangerous nature of the job, the specialized skills required, and the risk of injury or death associated with underwater welding.

How do underwater welders communicate while working underwater?

Underwater welders primarily communicate through hand gestures while submerged. They also rely on a breathing apparatus called an umbilical that ties them to the surface for oxygen and communication.

What safety measures are in place for underwater welders during their work?

Safety measures for underwater welders include using a simple air compressor to supply oxygen, wearing gloves and wetsuits, and checking vitals before diving. However, they typically only have minimal protection compared to divers in other countries, which increases the inherent risks.

Why is decompression sickness a concern for underwater welders?

Decompression sickness occurs when divers ascend too quickly, causing nitrogen in their body to form bubbles that can block blood flow to vital organs like the brain or heart. This is a risk at the depths they work, and it requires careful management of their ascent speed.

What environmental concerns are linked to the petrochemical industry in Indonesia?

The petrochemical industry in Indonesia raises environmental concerns such as pollution, toxic emissions, and water contamination. The construction of new petrochemical plants may exacerbate air and water pollution, contributing to Indonesia's already high pollution levels and shortening lifespans.

What is the government's stance on the growing petrochemical industry, and how does it affect the local population?

The Indonesian government supports the expansion of the petrochemical industry, offering tax reductions and promising thousands of jobs. While this can boost economic prosperity, it also raises concerns about environmental damage and public health, particularly in areas already suffering from severe pollution.

How does the health of underwater welders, like Suhendra and Rangga, deteriorate over time?

Over time, the physical demands of underwater welding, such as frequent exposure to high pressures and the risk of electrocution, take a toll on the welders' health. Suhendra, for example, visits a decompression chamber regularly, while Rangga has already experienced the effects of frequent diving, showing signs of health deterioration.

Why does Suhendra worry about his son Yusuf following in his footsteps as an underwater welder?

Suhendra is concerned about the long-term environmental impacts of the petrochemical industry, including water pollution, which could make the job less safe in the future. He fears that Yusuf might have to work in increasingly hazardous conditions as the waters become more polluted.