Each party involved with safety related work practices has a different responsibility. The employer must establish and implement the safety related work practices as well as provide the employee with proper training on the safety program.

The employee must comply with the safety related work practices but is not required to establish them.

1. Employer Responsibilities:

Establishing Safety Practices:

Development: The employer is responsible for the creation of comprehensive safety-related work practices. These practices should be designed to mitigate risks associated with the job tasks and environment and should comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations.

Implementation: Beyond development, the employer must also implement these practices in the workplace. This involves integrating these practices into daily operations through clear policies and procedures.

Training:

Provision: It's the employer's duty to provide thorough training on the established safety practices. This training should be comprehensive and should be conducted in a manner that is understandable for all employees, taking into account varying levels of experience and education.

Continuity and Update: Employers must also ensure that the training is continuous, with regular updates and refresher courses to accommodate any new or changed practices.

Resources and Equipment:

Employers are also required to provide all necessary safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring that these are properly maintained and suitable for the tasks employees are performing.

2. Employee Responsibilities:

Compliance:

• Following Practices: Employees are required to comply with the safety-related work practices established by their employer. This includes adhering to all procedures, using provided safety equipment properly, and participating in training and drills.
• Reporting: Employees should also report any unsafe conditions or incidents to management promptly, which is a part of complying with established safety practices.

Participation in Training:

• While employees are not responsible for creating safety practices, they must actively participate in training sessions. Engagement in training is crucial for understanding the practices and being able to apply them effectively.

Self-Management:

• Employees have a responsibility to manage their own safety to some extent, which includes using PPE correctly, following the procedures they’ve been taught, and staying informed about any changes in safety practices.

Summary:

In essence, the employer sets the framework for a safe working environment by developing and implementing safety practices and ensuring adequate training, while employees are responsible for following these practices and participating actively in their own safety. This clear delineation of responsibilities helps ensure that both parties are contributing effectively to workplace safety.

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

105.3 Responsibility.

(A) Employer Responsibility. The employer shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) Establish, document, and implement the safety-related work practices and procedures required by this standard.

(2) Provide employees with training in the employer’s safety-related work practices and procedures.

(B) Employee Responsibility. The employee shall comply with the safety-related work practices and procedures provided by the employer.