What must an employer provide to ensure the safety of their employees?

To ensure the safety of their employees, an employer must provide safe work systems and equipment. This is fundamental in creating a work environment that minimizes risks and hazards associated with workplace tasks. Providing safe equipment includes ensuring that all machinery, tools, and vehicles are properly maintained and compliant with safety standards. Furthermore, safe work systems encompass policies and procedures that promote safe practices among employees, including risk assessments, standard operating procedures, and the implementation of safety protocols.

Employers are legally obligated to protect the health and safety of their workers, and part of this responsibility involves assessing potential hazards and implementing measures to mitigate them. This could involve training employees in the safe use of equipment, ensuring proper workplace design, and maintaining a culture of safety.

The other options, while they may contribute to employee wellbeing and morale, do not directly address the critical aspect of safety that is essential in any workplace, particularly in environments where heavy machinery and forklifts are used. Flexible working hours, regular social gatherings, and personalized training programs can enhance employee satisfaction and skill levels, but without the foundation of safety provided through proper equipment and systems, these measures do not adequately ensure the safety of employees.