With some jobs, we know the risks. Police officer, soldier, firefighter – the dangers to life are unpalatable, but at least we know them before we take up our work. Others, like teacher, paramedic, construction worker and so forth carry concerns as well – although ones that are perhaps not quite as obvious.
The threat to teachers from assaults by pupils and parents is growing; there are even calls in some quarters for teachers to be armed. Paramedics will only attend calls in certain precincts of many large cities if supported by security. But working as an attendant in a garage really should not present worries to employees.
Then again, if it is a lonely site, late at night and you are the only person there, perhaps caution is required. Especially if you are a lone woman. Jessica Heeringa’s tragic and distressing story brings that lesson home.