Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which organization lacks authority to require the recall of a manufactured product?

1. MSHA

2. NIOSH

3. OSHA

4. FDA

The correct answer is: NIOSH

NIOSH, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is primarily a research and advisory agency that focuses on occupational safety and health issues. Its mission is to promote safe and healthy workplaces through the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. NIOSH conducts research and provides recommendations on occupational safety and health standards but does not have regulatory authority to enforce safety standards or to mandate recalls of manufactured products. Recall authority is typically vested in regulatory agencies that oversee product safety and consumer protections, which is not within the scope of NIOSH's functions. In contrast, other organizations listed have recall authority or are involved in regulatory processes that can lead to recalls. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) oversees workplace safety but does not have the direct authority to recall products. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) can enforce recalls for food and medical products if they are deemed unsafe or unfit for use. MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) primarily focuses on the safety of mining operations, but it also does not possess product recall authority in the conventional sense. Therefore, the choice of NIOSH as the organization lacking authority to require the recall of a manufactured product is accurate because it does not possess regulatory enforcement capabilities necessary for such actions.