Final answer:
An Asbestos Hazard Abatement Coordinator or Asbestos Program Manager is responsible for identifying and resolving asbestos hazards in the workplace, as mandated by OSHA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual with the capability to identify existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and to select the appropriate control strategies for asbestos exposure, as well as having the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them, is typically known as an Asbestos Hazard Abatement Coordinator or Asbestos Program Manager. This is a critical role within workplace safety and health management, especially when dealing with hazardous materials such as asbestos.
Employers are responsible under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to provide a workplace free from serious hazards and must comply with safety and health standards. Instead of relying solely on personal protective equipment, employers are required to first attempt to eliminate or reduce risks by modifying working conditions, which may include measures such as switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes, or installing better ventilation systems.
Inspections to enforce compliance are a fundamental part of OSHA's efforts to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Inspections by compliance officers can take place without advance notice and are prioritized based on immediate dangers, catastrophic events, worker complaints, targeted hazards, and necessary follow-ups.