Which U.S. government agency is responsible for creating a safe and healthful working environment?

• A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• B. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• C. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• D. Environmental Protection Agency

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is identifying which agency sets and enforces the rules that keep workplaces safe and healthy. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does that job. It operates under the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for creating mandatory safety and health standards, inspecting workplaces, and enforcing compliance. It also supports training and outreach to help employers protect workers.

NIOSH, the other agency mentioned, conducts research and develops recommendations to improve safety, but it does not set enforceable standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission focuses on safety of consumer products, not workplaces. The Environmental Protection Agency deals with environmental protection and pollution issues, not occupational safety standards.