What is the primary purpose of OSHA?

The primary purpose of OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is to oversee workplace safety and health regulations. This federal agency was established to ensure that workers are provided with a safe and healthful workplace by setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA’s regulations play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, thus promoting overall employee welfare.

In the context of workplace safety, OSHA focuses on various standards that cover numerous hazards, including chemical exposure, machinery safety, fire safety, and other potential risks employees may encounter. This focus is essential for creating an environment where employees can perform their duties without undue risk to their health or safety, which is why its mission is central to workplace safety regulations.