What Employers Must Inform and Teach Workers About Job Hazards

Every worker has the right to understand the risks of their job

Before starting work—and whenever duties change—workers should be informed of any hazards that could cause serious injury or illness. This includes clear explanations, training, and access to safety information.

Employers are generally required to provide this under standards set by:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

1. What Employers Must Inform You About

A. Known Workplace Hazards

Employers should clearly explain:

• Physical risks (falls, lifting injuries, machinery)

• Exposure risks (chemicals, biological hazards, bodily fluids)

• Environmental risks (heat, cold, confined spaces)

You should not be expected to “figure it out” on your own.

B. High-Risk Tasks

If your job includes tasks that could seriously injure you, you should be told:

• What could go wrong

• How injuries typically happen

• What warning signs to watch for

C. Safety Procedures

You should be trained on:

• Safe ways to perform tasks

• Emergency procedures

• Incident reporting steps

D. Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must explain:

• What equipment is required

• How to use it properly

• When it must be worn

E. Your Right to Report Hazards

You should be informed that you can:

• Report unsafe conditions

• Ask questions about safety

• Raise concerns without retaliation

2. What Proper Training Should Look Like

Training should be:

• Clear and understandable

• Specific to your job duties

• Provided before exposure to hazards

• Updated when conditions change

Training is not just:

• A handbook

• A quick verbal explanation

• A form you sign without instruction

3. How to Know When You May Be in Danger

You may be in a dangerous situation if:

• You are asked to perform a task you were not trained for

• You do not understand the risks involved

• Required safety equipment is missing or not explained

• You are rushed or pressured to ignore safety steps

• You are unsure how to respond in an emergency

• Conditions feel unsafe or uncontrolled

Trust your judgment—confusion and lack of training are warning signs.

4. When You Should Stop and Ask Questions

It is reasonable to pause and ask for clarification if:

• Instructions are unclear

• You are given new tasks without training

• Safety procedures have not been explained

• Equipment is unfamiliar

• You are unsure how to protect yourself

You can say:

“I want to make sure I understand how to do this safely before continuing.”

5. If You Believe a Task Is Unsafe

You should:

1. Ask for clarification or training

2. Request proper safety equipment

3. Report the concern to a supervisor

4. Document what you were told and when

Workers have protections under safety laws when raising legitimate concerns.

6. Special Situations: Injuries from Patients or Clients

In some jobs (healthcare, social services, customer-facing roles), risks may include:

• Physical aggression

• Lifting or transfer injuries

• Exposure to illness

Employers should provide:

• Training on de-escalation or safe handling

• Clear protocols for dangerous situations

• Support after incidents

7. Important Reminder

This page provides general safety information.

Every situation is different, and workplace safety laws can be complex. For specific guidance, you can contact:

• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

8. Bottom Line

You should never be expected to:

• Work without understanding the risks

• Accept unsafe conditions without question

• Perform tasks you are not trained to do

Informed workers are safer workers.