Final answer:
Employers hold the core responsibility and accountability for the Occupational Health and Safety management system, as mandated by OSHA standards. They are expected to provide a safe work environment, implement necessary safety measures, and educate their employees on potential hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall responsibility and accountability for the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system primarily lies with the employer. According to the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide a safe workplace without serious hazards and comply with all safety and health regulations. It is imperative that employers proactively find and correct health and safety concerns.
To mitigate risks, employers should utilize methods such as switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes to contain harmful fumes, or implementing ventilation systems to purify the air. The use of personal protective equipment should only be considered when other methods to eliminate or reduce hazards are not feasible. Additionally, employers are tasked with informing and training workers about potential chemical hazards through various methods including training, labeling, alarms, and color-coded systems.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) supports workers' rights to be informed about hazards and to work in conditions that are free from recognized dangers. Employers must disclose all information pertaining to workplace safety to their employees, thereby ensuring that they are aware of and can protect themselves against job-related risks.