What is the primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?

The primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards. This mission encompasses a broad approach, as it involves not just the creation of guidelines and regulations that employers must follow, but also the enforcement of these rules through inspections and compliance measures. This ensures that employers are held accountable for providing a safe work environment, which ultimately protects workers from occupational hazards.

OSHA develops standards based on research, data, and best practices in occupational safety and health, and these standards cover a wide range of industries and situations. The agency's ability to enforce these standards through inspections and penalties is a key component of its effectiveness in promoting workplace safety.

While reducing workplace accidents and injuries, providing financial support for injured workers, and promoting safety training programs are important aspects of a comprehensive safety and health strategy, they are either secondary objectives or are part of broader initiatives that support OSHA's primary function. The focus on enforcing standards is what distinctly positions OSHA as the leading authority in workplace safety regulation.