What does OSHA stand for and what is its primary role?

• A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: a federal agency that protects worker health and safety.
• B. Occupational Safety and Standards Association, a non-federal advisory board.
• C. National Health and Safety Institute for Workplace Lifestyles.
• D. Safety Compliance and Risk Management Office.

Answer: (A)

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Its primary role is to protect workers by promoting safe and healthy working conditions. It does this by establishing and enforcing standards, conducting workplace inspections, and providing training, outreach, and assistance to employers and employees to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths on the job. The other options describe non-federal or differently named entities, not the federal agency responsible for workplace safety.