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What are employers’ responsibilities in the workplace?

On Behalf of | May 6, 2019 | Firm News, Workplace Accidents |

Employees in Minnesota might benefit from learning more about employers’ responsibilities in the workplace according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The standards employers are required to abide by are established under the OSH Act. Any violations cited by OSHA personnel must be corrected within the designated time period. Employers are also required to post the citation near the site of the infraction for at least three days or until the violation has been corrected, whichever is longer.

Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees who report violations or exercise other rights protected by the OSH Act. OSHA also requires employers to identify and minimize hazards for workers and comply with several regulations and standards applicable to their type of operation. The workplace must be examined routinely to ensure that everything complies with established standards. This includes posting signs, labels and posters that alert workers of potential safety risks at the workplace.

Employees must be provided with the appropriate tools that can help reduce the safety risks at the workplace, and employers are required to implement operating procedures and safety training to help ensure that employees comply with the federal health and safety requirements. In addition, OSHA requires the training to be communicated in a language that the employee understands, and employers must maintain records of work-related illnesses and injuries and provide medical attention.

Employees who become ill or injured from a safety hazard at work often benefit from consulting a lawyer. Legal counsel may be prepared to investigate the incident and help determine whether the employer or another party may be found liable for the ensuing injuries. Lawyers may also be able to help ensure that injured employees are properly compensated and receive medical attention in accordance with workers’ compensation laws.