Introduction
Not all careers are desirable in the eyes of most graduates looking for a job. This is because of the risks involved in that particular job and the unpleasant working conditions that the worker is subjected to. Therefore, there should be a connection between the wage rate and those undesirable working conditions of that particular job. The workers will qualify for an extra income in order to motivate them and to make the job more desirable to other job seekers. The compensating wage differential is therefore used as an incentive to workers to undertake the work assigned.
Refuse Collector
Also known as city workers, refuse collectors have a huge role of ensuring that hazardous measures are taken to maintain health safety in the community. They collect waste materials for disposal or recycling. The waste, mainly from human activities is collected from residential and industries and then transported for processing and disposal. The refuse collectors use the waste collection vehicles to ease the collection and transportation of the waste materials.
While the job of a waste collector seems simple, it is a hazardous one that many people shy away from. The equipment that they use is also very heavy and can easily damage their muscles. On the other hand, they are exposed to other risky factors such as chemical burns, needles, dismantled glasses or even diseases from the solid waste and foul smell.
The Compensating Wage Differential In Refuse Collector
Many people seem not to be aware of the daily life of a refuse collector. They follow a specific involving routine that deserves utmost appreciation from the community. Having to work for ten hours a day to cover all the houses and industries in the community is not an easy task. Part of their tasking duty involves handling the waste materials with their hands especially in cases where residents have failed to dispose off their garbage properly. They handle disgusting household waste that has been un-appropriately dumped by the road side and cut huge limbs to fit in the vehicle. Most people employed in this sector do not last for long and most of them quit within a week.
The difference in the risks involved in this sector is the reason for an increased compensating wage differential. The risks involved are different from a life saver job. The job has a higher likelihood of injuries and the death rate recorded is about 25.3 per 100,000 workers as from the data released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most refuse firms pay their workers an annual wage of $ 35, 900. This is in contrast with truck drivers who receive an average of $ 43,000 wit their death rate recorded at 18.2 per 100,000. This is not fair considering the risks involved in the daily duties of a garbage collector are higher.
Personal Injury Claims Of A Refuse Collector
With the numerous risks facing the refuse collector, they are bound to be involved in major or minor accidents in the course of their duties. They are therefore entitled to both pecuniary and non pecuniary damages. Pecuniary damages relates to money or property. Incase of an accident, a refuse collector can claim for lost income or wages. An example of such an accident is an injury from the working equipment. The employer is also bound to pay for any expenses incurred as a result of the accident. On the other hand, the worker is also liable for non pecuniary damages as a result of the emotional and mental trauma suffered as a result.
Conclusion
A refuse collector is a very important person in the community. They should therefore be treated with utmost respect and paid a handsome wage as compensation for the work they do. Job seekers should also be encouraged to look for jobs in the refuse collector firms.