Are employers obligated to provide training to their employees?

In Washington, employers are not legally obligated to provide training to employees, but it is a common practice in the workplace. Training is seen as a benefit to both the employer and employee, so many employers choose to offer training programs. Employers may offer formal training programs on certain topics, such as safety protocols or equipment operations. They may also offer informal training, such as job shadowing or assigning certain tasks to more experienced employees. Employers may also be obligated to provide training if an employee is hired to perform a job for which they are unfamiliar with the requirements. For example, if an employee is hired to work in a factory and does not have experience with the machinery, the employer may be required to provide training on the use and safety of the equipment. Similarly, if an employee is hired to work in a new occupation—such as a medical assistant—the employer may be required to provide training related to the occupation. Employers are not required to provide training to existing employees in most cases, but they are obligated to provide a safe workplace. This means that employers must provide training that is necessary for an employee to do their job safely. Employers should consider offering training to all employees as a way to increase job satisfaction and ensure that their employees are knowledgeable and up-to-date on changes in the industry.

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Are employers obligated to provide training to their employees?

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