I hate to say this but at this time human life is NOT the most precious resource. There are many many people who want to work knowing full well the dangers. It's worth it to them to be paid and face danger. The planet is suffering vast vast die-offs of plants and animals. Human beings are not on the endangered list.
Bottom line, every adult human needs to make their own decisions. Is it worth it to work at a job that might kill me, or watch my family starve to death?
Some of us have much better options. I'm thankful for the job I have and the place where I live.