What workplace situation does the Assumption of Risk defense address?

The Assumption of Risk defense pertains specifically to situations in which an employee knowingly accepts the inherent risks associated with their job or specific tasks. This legal principle hinges on the idea that if an individual is aware of a risk and voluntarily engages in an activity despite that understanding, they may not be able to hold another party liable for any resulting injuries.

In the context of workplace situations, this means that if an employee is fully informed of the dangers related to a job—such as operating heavy machinery or working in hazardous environments—and chooses to proceed with those activities, the assumption of risk defense can be invoked. Essentially, the employee has acknowledged and accepted the risks as part of their role.

Other options point to scenarios where the risks might not be acknowledged or voluntarily accepted by the employee. For instance, defective equipment and faulty procedures imply negligence on the employer's part, which undermines the validity of an assumption of risk defense. Similarly, accidents from natural disasters do not typically fall under the scope of risks an employee assumes in their role, as these are often unpredictable and beyond the control of the workplace environment.