Dr Amir Khan, a GP and ITV regular on Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, says he sees more patients with health issues linked to common jobs than to traditionally dangerous ones.
He said: "When people think about 'dangerous' jobs, they often think of things like coal mining, construction or working with asbestos. But as a GP, I see something else every single day, I see invisible everyday jobs making people ill."
Teachers and drivers at risk
Dr Khan noted that teachers often lack time to drink water or use the toilet during the school day, which can cause headaches, dehydration, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Professional drivers, such as taxi, bus, and delivery van drivers, face back pain, poor metabolic health, and a higher risk of heart disease due to prolonged sitting. Conversely, hairdressers spend hours on their feet, leading to neck, shoulder, back, and foot problems.
Shift work and carers
He also highlighted the health toll on shift workers, including healthcare staff, whose long shifts, rotating nights, emotional stress, and missed meals disrupt the body clock and are linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Unpaid carers, though often unrecognised as workers, experience high rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and long-term health problems as they prioritise others' needs.
Practical advice
Dr Khan acknowledged that people cannot simply quit their jobs. He advised: "If you sit all day, find reasons to move. If you're on your feet all day, look after your muscles and joints. If you work shifts, protect your sleep as much as you can. And whatever your job, don't underestimate the importance of eating, drinking and taking your breaks."
