If a worker may be exposed to a harmful substance, what must the employer do?

• A. Post safety signage only
• B. Establish procedures to minimize exposure
• C. Increase worker vacation time
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (B)

When workers may be exposed to a harmful substance, the key responsibility is to put in place procedures that actively reduce exposure. This means taking a structured approach to control risk, not just warning people about it. The best answer reflects applying the hierarchy of controls to lower the amount of contaminant workers encounter, the duration of exposure, and the likelihood of exposure.

First, try to remove or substitute the hazard if possible. If that isn’t feasible, use engineering controls such as ventilation or containment to prevent exposure at the source. If engineering controls don’t fully eliminate risk, implement administrative controls like safe work practices, training, scheduling that limits exposure time, and proper procedures for handling the substance. PPE can be used as a last line of defense, but it’s still part of the overall procedures to protect workers. The plan should also include monitoring, labeling, spill response, and medical or health surveillance if required.

Posting safety signage alone doesn’t reduce the actual exposure, increasing vacation time doesn’t address the hazard, and doing nothing ignores the risk. Establishing procedures to minimize exposure is the proper, comprehensive response.