Final answer:
Funeral homes are required by OSHA to provide personal protective equipment such as protective clothing, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves at no cost to employees, primarily to protect them from formaldehyde exposure. They must also ensure safety training and other health and safety measures to minimize risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the formaldehyde exposure standard, funeral homes are required to protect employees from hazardous chemical exposure. One of the primary responsibilities of employers, including funeral homes, is to minimize the risk of formaldehyde exposure by implementing practical workplace changes. Where risks cannot be completely eliminated, providing protective equipment becomes essential. According to OSHA, funeral homes must offer personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective clothing, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves at no cost to workers. PPE is critical for employees handling formalin or embalming bodies to prevent the potentially harmful effects of formaldehyde, a substance known for its ability to coagulate proteins, kill bacteria, and stop biological processes that cause tissue decay.
In addition to the provision of PPE, funeral homes must also ensure that employees receive safety training in a language and vocabulary they can understand, maintain records of work-related injuries, perform workplace air sampling, and offer medical tests as required by OSHA. It's imperative for safety and health compliance that they follow these guidelines to create a safe working environment and avoid the risks associated with formaldehyde exposure.