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The Employer's Health and Safety Responsibilities for their Employees in the Workplace

It is the responsibility of the employer to keep all employees under their employ safe and secure. Included in this critical issue is the safety and protection of all visitors, clients and the general public who visit the company. Here are the employersí health and safety responsibilities in the workplace.

1.Because it is the duty of employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, the first step is to implement a policy and appoint a committee to take charge of a safety program to ensure that a constant practice of the safety measures, assessment of incidents and evaluation of the hazards have been identified and a work place safety program has been established.

2.Management should inform all staff members of the identified risks and hazards as well as the safety plans that have been put in place. Employees should be aware of the identified areas where additional precautions should be taken. An easy to understand health and safety policy as well as the clear-cut directions on what to do as protection is vital. The company policy on safety should be fully discussed during the orientation of new employees.

3.Employers must ensure that plant equipment and all machinery is safe to use! The written safety policy should outline how materials are handled, stored, labeled, maintained and used. Safe working practices like these must be implemented and followed by all company personnel.

4.Employers must provide adequate first aid resources at strategic plant and office locations with proper instructions for all employees to easily understand.

5.The safety program must also include the discussion of the use of harmful chemicals and substances in the workplace if applicable.

6.Employees must be provided a proper workplace environment that includes access to clean restrooms, break area and facilities that meet all health and safety standards. They should also be provided with safety equipment such as goggles, protective clothing and hard hat free of charge for their protection.

7.The employer should establish an emergency plan for all possible situations and include step-by-step instructions to follow in the event of an accident.

8.Supervisors should report any incidents of injuries, diseases or accident directly to their superiors.

These are some of the responsibilities of the employer with regards the health, safety and protection. All employers have the responsibility to always maintain a safe workplace and ensure that employees are protected from anything that renders risks to their health.