Final answer:
The first step in accident prevention is to identify hazards and assess risks. Ensuring a safe work environment involves providing comprehensive safety training and necessary protective equipment, as well as adhering to OSHA standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in accident prevention is to identify hazards and assess risks. This involves a thorough examination of the workplace to detect any potential sources of injury or illness and determining the likelihood of an occurrence and the potential severity of its consequences. Only after identifying and assessing the risks can effective control measures be implemented and safety training provided. Keeping accurate records, performing tests like air sampling, providing necessary personal protective equipment at no cost, delivering medical tests as required by OSHA standards, and notifying OSHA promptly about severe workplace incidents are all crucial to maintaining a safe working environment.
Safety training for workers, which needs to be comprehensible according to their language and understanding, is an integral part of this process. It ensures that employees are aware of potential hazards and the correct usage of safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations. Employers have the responsibility under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to educate their workers about hazards and to provide a safe workplace that adheres to all OSHA safety and health standards.