Which U.S. federal government agency is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the correct answer because it is the primary federal agency established to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across various industries. OSHA sets workplace standards and regulations, which are designed to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. The agency is empowered to enforce compliance with these regulations, conduct inspections, provide training, and offer guidance to both employers and employees regarding workplace safety practices.

In contrast, while the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) plays a role in developing consensus standards for a wide range of industries, it does not have regulatory authority. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on measurement standards and technology-related research rather than direct workplace safety enforcement. Likewise, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations regarding occupational safety and health but does not have enforcement capabilities like OSHA. Therefore, OSHA’s role as a regulatory body makes it the definitive answer to the question regarding the enforcement of workplace safety and health standards.