Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

What kind of supply must be available to employees at all places of employment?

1. Drinking water

2. Fresh air

3. Potable water

4. Coffee

The correct answer is: Potable water

In any workplace, it is essential to provide access to potable water, which refers to water that is safe for human consumption. This requirement is critical for maintaining the health and safety of employees. Access to potable water ensures that employees can stay hydrated, which is vital for their overall well-being, especially in physically demanding jobs or extreme working conditions. When considering workplace safety regulations, potable water is required to prevent dehydration and related health issues, such as heat stress or fatigue. This focus is not solely on the quality of drinking water but on the legal obligations employers have to provide a safe working environment, which includes access to clean and safe water. While drinking water could be considered safe under normal circumstances, it is the term "potable" that explicitly highlights that the water meets the safety standards for human consumption, reinforcing the obligation of employers to prioritize employee health. Access to other amenities like fresh air is important, but the explicit requirement for potable water underscores its critical role in workplace health standards.