What is the primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?

The primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to create and enforce workplace safety standards. This agency was established to ensure that employers provide a safe and healthful working environment for their employees. OSHA's standards cover a wide range of workplace safety topics, including exposure to hazardous materials, machinery safety, and employee training requirements. Through inspections and regulations, OSHA not only helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses but also promotes safe working conditions across various industries.

The roles of providing funding for workplace improvements, conducting health surveys, or mediating disputes do not encapsulate the core mission of OSHA, which is fundamentally regulatory and focused on enforcing safety protocols rather than offering financial support, conducting research, or acting as a mediator in conflicts between employers and employees.