Final answer:
To reduce hazards and risks, one should follow safety guidelines (Option C), which adheres to the precautionary principle and aligns with OSHA's employer responsibilities. Recognizing common hazards, using safety equipment, and wearing proper protective gear are all essential safety practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify all hazards and take preventive steps to reduce risks, the correct option would be C) Following safety guidelines. This involves being proactive in recognizing potential safety concerns and taking appropriate actions to mitigate them. Adhering to safety regulations helps to prevent accidents and injuries. Ignoring potential risks, increasing hazards intentionally, and avoiding the identification process are all actions that would in fact, increase danger instead of promoting safety.
When the effects of a human activity are poorly understood, a principle known as the precautionary principle comes into play. It suggests that we should assume there is some level of harm to the environment from the activity, thus we should proceed carefully. Acting with caution and safety in mind is crucial to minimize risks in any setting, whether it's at work, at home, or in the natural environment.
Employers have the responsibility according to OSHA to provide a safe workplace by eliminating hazards. Safety equipment should be located and easily accessible, and personal protective gear such as masks, gloves, or earplugs should be used when necessary. Moreover, being aware of common hazards, such as chemicals, heat, and electricity, and wearing appropriate gear like safety goggles and hearing protectors, can further reduce the risks of injury.
It is important to carefully determine the signs of potential changes in any environment to stay safe. This could include paying attention to color-coded systems, alarm sounds, or the proper garb required for specific activities, which play a crucial role in identifying and reducing hazards.