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712 Safety Supervision and Leadership
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Employer Responsibilities

The "It's the Law" poster is a publication created by the US Department of Labor that outlines employer responsibilities under various federal labor laws, including OSHA.

It's the Law!

Below are examples of employer responsibilities listed on the poster related to OSHA.

Provide a Safe Workplace - Employers must provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

  • Develop safety procedures and protocols that minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards.

Inform Employees About Hazards - Employers must inform their employees about potential hazards in the workplace.

  • Provide safety training to employees that covers specific job tasks and hazards.
  • Label hazardous materials and substances, and provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that describe the hazards associated with chemicals used in the workplace.

Keep Records - Employers must keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

  • Maintain injury and illness logs and post them in a visible location.
  • Report work-related fatalities, hospitalizations, and amputations to OSHA.

Provide Training - Employers must provide appropriate safety training to their employees.

  • Provide job-specific safety training to employees.
  • Ensure that employees understand the safety procedures and protocols in place.

Allow OSHA Inspections - Employers must allow OSHA inspectors access to the workplace to conduct inspections and investigations. Examples of this responsibility include:

  • Cooperate with OSHA inspectors during inspections.
  • Address any hazards identified during an OSHA inspection.

Do Not Retaliate - Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights under OSHA regulations. Examples of this responsibility include:

  • Ensure that employees feel comfortable raising safety concerns and reporting hazards.
  • Prohibit retaliation against employees who file complaints or participate in OSHA investigations.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-3. According to the OSH Act, the employer must ensure employees are free from recognized hazards that _____?