Employer & Worker Safety Responsibilities

Employer Responsibilities

• Employers are legally obligated to create a workplace free from recognized hazards. This includes identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards.
• This duty encompasses a broad range of potential dangers, from physical risks like falls and machinery to chemical exposures and ergonomic stressors.
• Employers must implement measures to eliminate or minimize hazards, prioritizing hazard elimination over control measures.

Worker Protection

• Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. This includes protection from potential hazards that could cause injury or illness.
• Protection extends to both physical and psychosocial hazards.
• Workers have the right to refuse unsafe tasks without fear of retribution.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial for worker safety only when used correctly and effectively.
• PPE acts as a barrier between workers and potential hazards. This can reduce risk.
• PPE is not a substitute for proper hazard control procedures.
• The use of PPE should be determined based on a risk assessment of specific hazards.
• Examples include but are not limited to: gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
• Training on proper selection, use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE relevant to the specific hazards is crucial for effectiveness.
• Employers must provide suitable and properly maintained PPE.
• Workers training is a critical part of proper PPE implementation.
• Workers must be properly trained on correct use of PPE to avoid misuse and potential injuries from improper use. A detailed risk assessment should occur prior to implementing any type of PPE regimen.

This quiz covers essential employer and worker safety responsibilities in the workplace, focusing on the creation of a hazard-free environment, workers' rights to safety, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Learn about the legal obligations faced by employers and the rights of workers in ensuring a safe working environment.