Based on a new report, British scientists have apparently found that what a person does for a living could play a role in how they die. The study found major differences between occupational groups and their risk of death from drug and alcohol-related diseases

The scientists analyzed all deaths among men and women aged 16-74 years in England and Wales between 1991 and 2000 – a total of more than 1.6 million deaths overall — and found some disturbing trends, based on a person’s chosen profession.

For example, their study found that merchant seamen had a high risk for death from cirrhosis and other alcohol-related illnesses such as cancer of the liver and mouth, as well as expected causes, such as from accidents like falling down stairs.

They also found that painters, bricklayers and roofers were twice as likely to die as a result of drug abuse, based on the statistical average. Accidental drug overdoses and poisoning was nearly twice the average among male painters, decorators, bricklayers, plasterers and roofers, and they found that cooks and bartenders were far more likely to suffer an alcohol-related death than the population as a whole.

Male tailors and dressmakers and make hairdressers were found to have a risk of death from HIV/AIDS that was nearly nine times higher than the statistical average.

The authors of the study hope to use this information to encourage employers to promote the implementation of general health information into their existing health and safety training programs.