Final answer:
Employers are required by OSHA to educate employees about the hazards their provided respirators protect against and must ensure training is comprehensible to all workers. Ongoing training, information on health risks, and proper procedure usage are critical aspects. This training is a part of a comprehensive approach to workplace safety that prioritizes hazard reduction and clear communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an employer assigns personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protection, to an employee, they must train the employee on the hazards that the respirator is protecting against. This training includes the provision of information regarding the health risks associated with exposure to harmful substances and the correct usage and maintenance of the protective equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to use methods such as training programs, labels, information sheets, and alarm systems to educate their workforce. Additionally, employers must make an effort to reduce hazards through methods like substitution of dangerous chemicals, process enclosure, and proper ventilation before resorting to personal protective equipment.Employers are also mandated to provide such training in a language and vocabulary that employees can understand, ensuring that all workers, regardless of their primary language, can implement safety procedures effectively. Moreover, this education is not a one-time event; employers must provide ongoing training to address any changes in workplace conditions or updates in safety standards. Proper record-keeping of work-related injuries and illnesses, along with regular workplace testing such as air sampling, is also under the jurisdiction of employer responsibilities as dictated by OSHA standards.Conclusion Ultimately, the employer's responsibility extends beyond simply providing the equipment; they must ensure that employees understand the risks and the reasons for the protective measures put in place, leading to a safer overall working environment.