Which type of employees does OSHA primarily cover?

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, primarily covers most private sector employees and their employers. This focus is rooted in OSHA's mission to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health. The agency was established to protect workers in the private sector from occupational hazards, providing regulations that employers must follow to create a safer work environment.

Most private sector employees, which includes those in industries such as manufacturing, construction, retail, and services, benefit from OSHA’s standards and enforcement. This coverage is instrumental in minimizing work-related injuries and illnesses. While there are certain exceptions, such as self-employed individuals, certain agricultural workers, and state and local government employees (who are usually covered under state plans), the primary aim of OSHA is to safeguard the health and safety of workers in the private sector.

In contrast, government employees do not fall under federal OSHA regulations but may be covered by state plans or specific government safety programs, which is why the government employee category is not entirely covered by OSHA. Although all employees across all sectors aim for optimal safety, OSHA's enforcement and regulatory measures are predominantly targeted at the private sector, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of OSHA's coverage.