712 Safety Supervision and Leadership

Element 2: Resources to Achieve Standards

Once again, this obligation is detailed in OSHA's "General Duty" clause below.

OSHA Act 1970. Section 5. Duties

(a) Each employer —

• (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
• (2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.

OSHA defines "employment," above, as the procedures or tasks employees must perform, and "place of employment" as the workplace environment within which they work.

When Justified to Discipline

Employers are only justified in applying progressive discipline if they have first ensured that employees are equipped with all necessary resources to meet established standards. When these resources are provided, the employer will probably have opportunities to recognize and reward employees for meeting and exceeding those standards. What resources are necessary? That depends on the task, but generally employees should be provided:

• Physical Resources: Safe tools, equipment, machinery, materials and facilities so employees can safely produce or provide the highest quality products or service. The place of employment should also provide a healthful physical environment that ensures minimum exposure to extremes in noise, toxic chemicals, hazardous atmospheres, and temperatures.
• Psychosocial Support: A healthful psychosocial environment that minimizes distress by making sure employees have adequate control over the various aspects of their work life. This includes work procedures and practices that keep employees free from hazards and healthful relationships with co-workers and management.

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