Which obligation falls on employers according to workplace safety laws?

Employers are legally required to ensure that their workplaces are free from recognizable hazards, which is a fundamental aspect of workplace safety laws. This obligation is part of maintaining a safe working environment for employees and includes identifying, mitigating, and eliminating potential risks that could lead to injury or illness. Regulations, such as those enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, mandate that employers take proactive measures to address hazards, providing a basis for a safe and healthy workplace.

The focus on keeping a workplace free from hazards protects employees' rights to safety and health while on the job. Employers must regularly assess the workplace for dangerous conditions and implement measures such as training, safety equipment, and proper signage to maintain this obligation.

Other options, while important in the context of employment practices, do not directly correlate with workplace safety laws. For example, notifying employees before layoffs and providing pathways for promotions pertain more to labor relations and career development rather than safety. Likewise, offering unlimited sick leave may relate to employee benefits and wellness policies but does not directly address the core issue of maintaining a hazard-free work environment.