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712 Safety Supervision and Leadership
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Basic Responsibilities

Introduction

As "agents of the employer," supervisors assume the legal obligations of the employer to the degree they have been given authority. As an "agent of the employer," a supervisor carries significant legal obligations and responsibilities.

Watch this short video by WorkSafe BC - Supervision in Construction.

In terms of scope, supervisor obligations can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific context of employment. Also, supervisor obligations are limited to the degree to which the supervisor has been given authority by the employer to act.

This module introduces you to basic supervisor and employee obligations to each other, the employer, and OSHA law. The ability to fulfill these obligations is crucial for effective supervision, a central theme of this entire course.

Safety is Smart Business

It's important to understand that "doing safety" to avoid OSHA violations and penalties is the least effective safety management approach. Employers who understand the long-term business benefits of world-class safety management and leadership will be more likely to develop a proactive safety and health system that far exceeds OSHA requirements. You can learn more about developing effective safety systems in OSHAcademy course 700 Introduction to Safety Management.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. As an agent of the employer, what limits a supervisor's legal obligation?