Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing safety and health legislation?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency specifically tasked with ensuring workplace safety and health standards are adhered to. This agency is responsible for setting and enforcing regulations that protect workers from hazards in the workplace, thereby minimizing occupational risks and promoting safe working conditions. OSHA conducts inspections, provides training, and develops safety regulations in various industries, ensuring that workers have a safe environment in which to perform their duties.

OSHA’s initiatives include creating safety standards, handling complaints, and providing guidance to employers and employees about best practices for maintaining health and safety in the workplace. This comprehensive focus on occupational safety distinguishes OSHA from agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which deals primarily with environmental regulations, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which focuses on consumer protection and antitrust laws. Additionally, the Department of Education (DOE) is concentrated on educational policies and institutions, not workplace safety or health.