Asbestos Removal Workers - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, hazardous material workers:

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.
[ More ]
May occasionally deal with rude or unpleasant people. Sometimes removing waste can be stressful.
Are responsible for the work done by others.

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.
[ More ]
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.

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.
[ More ]
Work in a stressful atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.
Make decisions in conjunction with supervisors and other workers.

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.