Good news: as a dredge operator, you're at low risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other annoyances of an office job. Bad news: instead of some sore fingers, your risk is much higher of losing that arm altogether in one careless moment.

You're dealing with big, unwieldy, heavy machinery. When you're out on deck, things that can fall on you start at "bus-sized" and move up from there. And if you're too busy looking up to watch for falling tonnage, you might walk into a cable spool or some other dangerous piece of machinery.

 

He's also not making his hands very useful for dredging, but at least he's safe. (Source)

But don't worry too much. You'll quickly adapt to your safety equipment and the regulations you must follow every day.

You're also likely to inhale more than your fair share of diesel, asphalt, and welding fumes. The hard physical labor involved in moving and wrangling heavy equipment puts you at risk for a slew of back injuries too, if you're not careful. Remember, always bend from the knees, but also always try to get someone else to do the lifting while advising them to bend from the knees.

Finally, there are the curve balls nature can throw your way: shifting currents and harsh weather, not to mention the gale-force winds and ocean swells, all of which you might deal with out on the open sea. 

And dredgers work a job around the clock until it's done, so imagine facing those elements at night. Everyone spends time on the night shift, but adapting to a different sleep schedule makes it difficult to stay alert at 3:00AM. Fun times.

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