Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which piece of legislation primarily governs workplace safety in the United States?

1. OSHA Act

2. NIOSH Act

3. EPA Act

4. ANSI Act

The correct answer is: OSHA Act

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Act is the primary piece of legislation governing workplace safety in the United States. Enacted in 1970, the OSHA Act established the framework for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. It empowers OSHA to inspect workplaces, issue citations for violations, and enforce compliance with safety regulations. The significance of the OSHA Act lies in its comprehensive coverage of various workplace hazards and its focus on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. Under this act, employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace free from recognized hazards. The act also promotes the rights of employees to report unsafe conditions and to participate in safety programs without fear of retaliation. The other options represent important areas of safety and health but serve different roles. The NIOSH Act establishes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which focuses on research and recommendations rather than enforcement. The EPA Act is primarily concerned with environmental protection rather than workplace safety. The ANSI Act involves the development of voluntary consensus standards for safety but does not have regulatory authority over workplace safety. Thus, while all these pieces of legislation contribute to safety and health in their own ways, the OSHA Act is specifically designed to govern