Your employer has a responsibility to provide a workplace that is safe from known risks and dangers. Some industries such as construction, warehouses, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and the like, have higher safety risk factors just by the nature of the work. Nevertheless, employers in these fields are required by law to provide employees with specific safety instruction and operation guidelines as well as any and all safety equipment required to protect workers from foreseeable injuries.
What Are Employers Required to Do to Keep Workers Safe?
Per the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), federal safety standards are in place to protect employees from hazards in the workplace. Your employer is expected to do the following:
- Meet minimum safety standards applicable to each industry, whether construction, maritime, or general industry workplaces
- Ensure machinery and equipment are safe to use
- Provide personal protective equipment
- Provide all required safety equipment specific to the industry of work
- Ensure workplace safety and training is provided to employees in a language each can understand