It is important that individuals are being safe in the workplace and are aware of the potential risks that can occur, as well as ways to prevent it as much as possible. That said, applications would normally indicate restrictions an employee may have if they are under 18 years of age or are not qualified and trained to do a certain activity.
According to the NIEHS, "Occupational health refers to the identification and control of the risks arising from physical, chemical, and other workplace hazards in order to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment." By ensuring that the employees are safe, there would be fewer cases of workers' compensation. With the NIEHS, which stands for National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the company offers training and education programs that work to protect the workers from potential hazards they may encounter on the job.
Being exposed to radiation, bacteria, and unsafe substances can occur depending on the type of occupation an individual has. Working in a hospital, for instance, makes a worker more prone to being exposed to bacteria and becoming sick. To prevent getting sick, a hospital worker would have to sanitize/wash their hands often and be sure to use the proper wear and equipment. When handling sharp or heavy objects, an individual can cut, break, or sprain parts of their body.
Before accepting a job that can put workers at risk for their health and safety, individuals should look into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) law. By knowing this, it entitles the individual to working in a safe place, and that they are allowed to file a complaint.
Some of the rights include: safety gear is a necessity that is provided at the job, being able to get trained in a language you feel most comfortable with, being able to report an illness, etc.