Which organization is responsible for workplace safety standards in the United States?

• A. OSHA
• B. NIOSH
• C. EPA
• D. FDA

Answer: (A)

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the U.S. federal agency charged with setting and enforcing workplace safety standards. It creates enforceable rules to reduce hazards, conducts inspections, and can issue citations or penalties for violations. It operates under the Department of Labor and covers most private sector workplaces, with standards covering general industry and construction. NIOSH, by contrast, conducts research and makes recommendations to improve safety but does not issue mandatory standards. The EPA focuses on environmental protection, and the FDA regulates foods, drugs, and medical devices. So for establishing and enforcing workplace safety standards, OSHA is the organization responsible.