What should a worker do if they encounter a spill of an unknown substance on the floor?

When a worker encounters a spill of an unknown substance on the floor, the most appropriate action is to report it to a team leader. This approach prioritizes safety first. An unknown substance could potentially be hazardous, and handling it without proper knowledge or equipment could lead to harmful exposure or injury. Team leaders and safety personnel are typically trained to assess situations like this and can take the necessary steps to identify the substance and determine the safest method for cleanup.

The importance of reporting such hazards lies in the fact that it ensures that those with the appropriate training and resources are involved in managing the situation safely. They can initiate procedures for containment and cleanup that adhere to safety protocols, thereby minimizing risks to all workers in the area.

Responding immediately to clean it up or leaving it for someone else can lead to unsafe conditions. Relying on personal judgment in these situations, especially with unknown substances, can compromise safety standards in the workplace.