Risk Perception and Remuneration for New Zealand Asbestos Removal Workers

Abstract

Asbestos exposure is a well-established hazard. In countries like New Zealand, where asbestos has been banned, there still exist large volumes of legacy asbestos in various buildings and structures. Asbestos removal workers are frontline workers in removing and safely disposing of asbestos containing materials. In our study, a cohort of asbestos removal workers were interviewed in depth, and a key theme to emerge was remuneration.  Here we examine whether asbestos removal workers do, or should, receive additional remuneration based on the risk associated with their work. We consider forms of remuneration provided by asbestos removal companies, and if these can, or should, be considered ‘danger pay’. We note that ‘danger pay’, in the traditional sense, does not reflect the modern approach to occupational health and safety (OHS) practice, however this term was used frequently by the asbestos removal workers interviewed. There is then a potential disconnect between the duties of employers as defined in contemporary OHS legislation, and the understanding of these duties among workers. This paper provides a foundation for further research to explore how asbestos removal companies in New Zealand manage the asbestos risks in their workplaces.