Final answer:
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to consult employees on health and safety issues before making final decisions. Employers must inform workers about hazards and take measures to correct safety and health problems. Legislation also grants employees the right to lodge complaints against their employer if they identify risks or hazards that endanger their health and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health and safety issues that require employers to consult employees before making final decisions are primarily governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This act outlines general regulations that workplaces must follow to protect workers from hazards on the job. One of the key rights granted to employees is the right to be informed about any potential dangers that can harm them. Employers must inform their employees about these hazards so that they can work safely.
More recent legislation also grants employees the right to lodge confidential complaints against their employer if they identify hazards or risks in the workplace that threaten their health and safety. If these concerns are verified, the company must correct the violations or face fines from the government. It is important for employers to prioritize worker safety as cutting costs may lead to dangerous practices that can harm employees and the public, impacting the company's long-term profits.
Under OSHA, employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace and follow all safety and health standards. They must find and correct safety and health problems and make feasible changes in working conditions to eliminate or reduce hazards. Employers must also inform workers about chemical hazards through training, labels, alarms, and other methods.