Hazard pay for workers: risk and reward

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Environment; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.1981.9928748· OSTI ID:5775693

Graham, J; Shakow, D

The second in a series of articles on the differences between worker protection from hazards and that provided for the general public deals with worker reimbursement for job-associated risks. The justification for higher pay is based on market place economic theory that assumes a free choice of occupations, but overlooks skill, bargaining power, and regional variations as contributing factors. A debate is emerging over the concept of putting a dollar value on human life through either the discounted future earnings (DFE) or the willingness to pay (WTP) approach because some individuals are undervalued and because people respond to certain death differently than to statistical risk. As an alternative to extra compensation, employers can elect to make the work environment safer. The difference is one in which society values worker health over choice. Comparisons of actuarial risk data to test the doctrine of equalizing differences continue to be inconclusive and disparate in their results. A review of the literature confirms compensation only for the risk of death and opens up several questions about the level and uniformity of compensation and the definition of risk. 22 references, 3 tables. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Clark Univ., CENTED, Worcester, MA
• OSTI ID: 5775693
• Journal Information: Environment; (United States), Journal Name: Environment; (United States) Vol. 23:8; ISSN ENVTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
570000 -- Health & Safety
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INCOME
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY
WORKING CONDITIONS