
If you're a contractor, manufacturer or another type of business that deals with hazardous materials, you're probably already mindful of the legal and practical steps you need to take to safeguard your employees and facilities. On the other hand, if your working environment is a typical office, you might assume you're largely off the hook for safety compliance.
Not true; the reach of the federal Occupational Health and Safety Act isn't limited to high-risk industries. In enforcing this law, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has cited employers that have "evidenced a corporate commitment to lowering ergonomic hazards but have failed to effectively implement that commitment at specific sites." Indeed, there can be serious legal consequences for disregarding worker safety — especially if someone suffers an injury.
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