Which agency oversees workplace safety standards in the USA?

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

OSHA’s regulations cover a wide range of workplace hazards, including chemical exposure, fall protection, and personal protective equipment. The agency conducts inspections to ensure compliance with safety laws and can issue citations and fines for violations. This proactive approach helps reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, thereby safeguarding the well-being of workers across various industries.

While the other agencies listed play significant roles in public health and labor issues, they do not have the specific mandate to regulate and enforce workplace safety standards like OSHA does. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection, the Department of Labor (DOL) encompasses a broader scope of labor regulations and workforce issues, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is primarily concerned with biomedical and public health research.