Workplace Safety and Modal Verbs: CAN and HAVE TO

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 in Administration and Management

Understanding the Modal Verbs CAN and HAVE TO

CAN signifies ability or permission. It has different communicative intentions. Pay attention to the following sentences:

1. You can use the computer after finishing your work. (You are allowed to use the computer after finishing your work.) This sentence intends to authorize an action (with a condition).
2. You shouldn’t get into the factory without a hard hat; you can suffer an accident. (You are advised not to enter the factory without a hard hat.) Suggestion
3. You can suffer an electric shock if you don’t pay attention. (You may suffer an electric shock if you are not careful.) Warning
4. Those workers can repair the engines in two weeks. (Those workers are able to repair the engines in two weeks.) Ability
5. That container can store 5,000 liters of fuel. (That container has the capacity to hold 5,000 liters of fuel.) Capacity

HAVE TO signifies obligation. Its communicative intention is an obligation that has a more personal sense or is based on personal necessity.

Here, we will use and remember the grammatical rules of using DO/DOES for negation and questions.

Pay attention to the following table:

For example:

1. I have to wear the personal protective elements. (For my own safety)
2. We have to prevent accidents. (For our own safety and that of others)
3. She has to clean the work area. (For optimal work)

Using Negation with DO/DOES

To make a negation, we use the auxiliaries do/does. Pay attention to the following table:

For example:

1. You don’t have to work without protective clothes.
2. He doesn’t have to contaminate the samples.

Forming Questions

To ask questions, do not forget that the auxiliaries are also used.

For example:

1. What do you have to do in case you see a coworker caught in the gears?
   I have to press the emergency button.
2. What does the metallurgist have to do if he/she contaminates the samples?
   He/she HAS TO clean the work area and start again.

Worksheet: Safe and Unsafe Practices

According to the following situations, classify them as SAFE or UNSAFE:

• Untied shoes
• Well-fitted overall
• Work with dirty hands
• Follow the rules
• Block the exits
• Wear protective clothes
• Handle minerals carefully
• Work under the influence of drugs
• Use rings at work

Exercises: CAN and HAVE TO

Complete the following sentences using can or have to:

1. It is important that workers ……………………… clean the work area before working in the laboratory.
2. The products ……………………… be finished tonight, or our boss will fire us.
3. Workers ……………………… (not) carry tools in their pockets; they ……………………… get hurt. If you want to get a good mark on the English test, you ……………………… study more and more.
4. If you don’t follow the rules, at least you ……………………… help to prevent accidents.
5. That bottle ……………………… store 5 liters of fuel, and those ……………………… store just two liters.
6. Geologists ……………………… apply sunblock, or they ……………………… get burns.
7. What language ……………………… you speak?
8. My situation at work is not good; I ……………………… work harder if I want to keep my job.
9. Engineers ……………………… (not) work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Translation Practice

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. Those workers must not handle the samples in a contaminated area.
2. They should not block the exits with boxes or ladders.
3. Every worker must wear ear protection when working with machines like electric drills, lathes, etc.
4. Jack has to avoid risky actions; he should follow the safety rules and help prevent accidents.
5. Before entering the workshop, you should pay attention to the risk factors.

Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions:

1. What should you use when you get into your workplace?
2. Where don’t you have to pile the boxes?
3. What implements are not necessary to wear in an office?
4. In case of fire, who must you call?
5. Is it safe to work with greasy hands?
6. Can you use a saw to tighten a screw?
7. Is wearing untied shoes a dangerous action?

Multiple Choice

Choose the best option:

1. As a rule, every worker ………………… use an overall and gloves at work.
   a. Should
   b. Can
   c. Must
   d. Doesn’t have to
2. I need to start the project tonight, so I ………………… start right now.
   a. Can
   b. Mustn’t
   c. Cannot
   d. Have to
3. Those boxes ………………… store all the materials; they are too small.
   a. Mustn’t
   b. Cannot
   c. Shouldn’t
   d. Don’t have to
4. Mr. Smith ………………… travel to Santiago tomorrow; the meeting was canceled.
   a. Cannot
   b. Mustn’t
   c. Shouldn’t
   d. Doesn’t have to
5. Thomas ……………………. use the company telephone; if the supervisor catches him, he will be in trouble.
   a. Cannot
   b. Mustn’t
   c. Has to
   d. Shouldn’t
6. There is some liquid on the floor; you ………………… clean it up.
   a. Shouldn’t
   b. Mustn’t
   c. Can
   d. Should