Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency specifically tasked with enforcing workplace safety regulations in the United States. OSHA's primary mission is to ensure that employers provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. This involves setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance to promote workplace safety and health.

OSHA conducts inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with safety regulations and has the authority to issue citations and penalties for violations. This focus on enforcement and compliance directly positions OSHA as the key federal agency in managing workplace safety.

In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily concerned with environmental protection and pollution control, while the Department of Labor (DOL) encompasses a broader range of labor issues, not exclusively focused on safety. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), although it plays a critical role in research and recommendations related to workplace health and safety, does not enforce regulations; that responsibility falls to OSHA.