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If you're broadcasting at higher powers (to send over longer distances) there are risks from high RF exposure and electrical hazards. The HAM radio license exams focus on these safety issues quite a bit.

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RF exposure at the frequencies involved are basically non-harmful.

RF exposure on the ground from an aerial are likely non-harmful. Right next to the antenna can still give burns. There's also issues of arcing, lightning, and other electrical issues when dealing with high power radios.

Electricity is unforgiving and a lot of the safety rules in licenses above Technician try to instill that fact.

Sounds like you have never had an RF burn before. The sensation is a lot like a sunburn, but is hard to get if you are electrically close to the ground. Higher frequencies can still give you RF burns when you're standing on the ground.

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