Final answer:
Employers are required by OSHA to assess workplace safety, particularly the strength and structural integrity of walking and working surfaces. They must adhere to various health and safety regulations and address potential hazards proactively. Workers have the right to file a complaint if they believe their workplace is not compliant with OSHA standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is the responsibility of employers to assess the workplace to ensure that walking and working surfaces have the necessary strength and structural integrity to safely support workers. This requirement is part of OSHA's mandate to protect workers from a wide range of serious hazards, including the risk of falls and collapses. Employers must comply not only with specific OSHA standards but also with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires maintaining a workplace free of serious recognized hazards. Employers are urged to employ effective measures to eliminate or alleviate risks, such as using safer chemicals, enclosing processes, or installing ventilation systems, as opposed to relying solely on personal protective equipment.
Employers have multiple responsibilities under OSHA, including providing safety training, keeping accurate records of work-related injuries, performing necessary workplace tests, providing personal protective equipment at no cost, and more. If workers believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA standards, they have the right to file a complaint and request an inspection, without fearing discrimination or retaliation for exercising their OSHA rights.