Workplace managers play a key role in the implementation of occupational safety and health (SSM) and emergency situations (SU) measures. They must not only ensure compliance with the legislation, but also create a safe working environment where prevention is a priority. Under Romanian legislation, including Law 319/2006 and related regulations, they have direct responsibilities in terms of supervision, training and occupational risk management.
In this article, we will analyze the most important obligations of workplace managers in terms of occupational safety and health, as well as protective measures against fire and other emergencies.
Supervision and risk management
Workplace supervisors have a duty to directly supervise the work carried out by workers to ensure that safety measures are being complied with. This responsibility includes:
- Carrying out regular workplace inspections to check compliance with SSM rules;
- identifying and reporting risks of occupational injury or illness;
- implementing corrective measures to reduce risks.
It is also essential that they supervise the correct use of personal and collective protective equipment to prevent accidents at work.
Training and informing workers
Another fundamental obligation of workplace managers is to provide training and information to workers. They must ensure that each employee:
- is properly trained before starting work;
- receives clear information on the specific risks of the workplace;
- is familiar with first aid, prevention and emergency measures.
Training should be tailored to each employee’s level of understanding and should be carried out periodically or whenever there are changes in the work process.
Organizing activities in emergency situations
In addition to preventive measures, workplace managers must be prepared for emergency management. This includes:
- Developing and implementing fire and other emergency response plans;
- organizing regular evacuation and fire drills;
- maintaining first aid and fire-fighting equipment in working order.
They must also work with the emergency services and ensure that workers are familiar with alarm and evacuation procedures.