Asbestos Removal Workers


Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources > Asbestos Removal Workers > Working Conditions
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Asbestos Removal Workers

Asbestos Removal Workers - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, hazardous material workers:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Are responsible for the health and safety of the public and coworkers.
  • Have a medium level of interaction with others. They often interact with other hazardous material workers as they go about their tasks.
  • Talk with others by telephone and in person. They often write e-mails, letters, and memos when not handling emergencies.
  • Usually work as part of a team.
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  • May occasionally deal with rude or unpleasant people. Sometimes removing waste can be stressful.
  • Are responsible for the work done by others.

Physical Work Conditions

  • Regularly wear protective gear when cleaning or packaging material. Examples include gloves, goggles, and jump suits.
  • Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as lead or asbestos.
  • Are exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment.
  • Often work outdoors. This usually depends on the job, because asbestos workers tend to work indoors.
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  • Often wear specialized gear, such as full body suits and respirators.
  • May be exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
  • May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
  • May have to climb ladders or scaffolds to reach high places.
  • Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
  • May work physically near others, such as within a few feet.
  • May get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.

Work Performance

  • Must fully complete and be exact in their work. If workers do not follow safety procedures, they could cause serious health risks to themselves or the public.
  • Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
  • Must allow the pace of work to be led by the speed of equipment.
  • Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently.
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  • Work in a stressful atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.
  • Make decisions in conjunction with supervisors and other workers.

Hours/Travel

  • Usually work full time. May work more than eight hours a day, five days a week at emergency clean up sites.
  • May work night shifts or weekends to complete projects when the public is not around.
  • May work in remote areas where incinerators are located. They may commute a long distance to get to work.
  • May travel to other locations to help with emergency cleanups. They may be away from home for a few days to a few weeks.
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.