The ideal workplace for an employee is equipped with the right plans and equipment needed to keep them safe. This is a place where they can concentrate on their responsibilities without the fear of getting themselves or others hurt. However, are business leaders taking the proper precautions to provide this for their employees? The following list includes a few health and safety protections employees can expect from their places of work.
Relevant PPE
Unfortunately, not all risks in the workplace can be eliminated, especially at a manufacturing company or in the field of construction. This, however, does not excuse a business from taking all of the precautions that are necessary. The owners of your company must provide their employees with proper PPE relevant to their job responsibilities. PPE stands for personal protective equipment and clothing. This equipment must be in functional order and of the exact type recommended by local governments. When PPE is provided to employees, they must also be shown how to use it correctly; after all, having the right protective equipment is only half of the equation.
Signs and Warning Labels
No matter if you work in a factory or high-rise office building, there are going to be areas of risk at your workplace. Therefore, employers are required to post correct signs and warning labels in these areas. Most workplaces are required to uphold OSHA standards, which may include the accurate use of GHS labeling directives. This also includes that employers provide you with the necessary training to handle or identify the various warning labels around your workplace.
Job-Requirement Transparency
When you are seeking a position at a company, it is crucial to obtain a written description of your job duties. This is incredibly important because having an employee handle chemicals or equipment that they have no experience in can be dangerous to themselves and those around them. In fact, in many states, changing a person’s job description is illegal. Thus, you should always expect a clear and transparent job description from your employer.
When it comes to the workplace, it is paramount that employers take all the necessary steps to keep their staff comfortable and safe. Employees also have a responsibility to record and report any violations when it comes to their safety. Utilize the information posted above in order to create a strong, knowledgeable foundation regarding what is expected in the workplace in terms of safety.
Read more workplace legal information in this article: How to Determine Your Status as an Employee or Independent Contractor Under California Laws
