Which organization is responsible for workplace safety standards in the U.S.?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the organization responsible for overseeing workplace safety standards in the United States. Established in 1970, OSHA operates under the Department of Labor and is tasked with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, and education.

OSHA develops regulations and standards that employers must follow to protect their employees from workplace hazards, such as exposure to harmful substances, machinery accidents, and ergonomic risks. The agency conducts inspections, offers compliance assistance, and can issue citations when violations are found, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting workplace safety.

Other organizations serve different functions. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection and regulation, while the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) primarily deals with public health issues rather than specific workplace safety. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while focused on research and recommendations related to occupational safety and health, does not have regulatory authority like OSHA does. Thus, OSHA is the key agency charged with enforcing workplace safety standards in the U.S.