Final answer:
It is true that employers must train employees on reporting work-related injuries or illnesses, following OSHA guidelines and worker's compensation laws. Safety training, recordkeeping, and non-retaliation policies are important components. Compliance protects both employee well-being and company liability.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that employers are required to train their employees on how to report a work-related injury or illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lays down numerous guidelines that employers must follow to maintain a safe working environment. This includes providing safety training in a language and vocabulary that workers can understand, maintaining thorough records of work-related injuries and illnesses, and ensuring that employees are aware of the procedures to report these incidents. Furthermore, employers must provide the necessary personal protective equipment at no cost to workers and conduct workplace tests like air sampling, as required. Notable in these guidelines is the consideration of non-retaliation against workers who use their rights under the law, including reporting injuries or illnesses.
These guidelines are enhanced by worker's compensation laws that require employers to contribute to state-run funds to support employees injured on the job. Understanding and complying with these laws not only protect employees but also shield employers from potential fines and legal action, as seen in past instances like the Firestone/Ford case where the lack of proper safety measures led to significant financial losses and legal repercussions.