Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the federal agency responsible for establishing and enforcing workplace safety and health standards in the United States. It develops regulations that address hazards such as chemical exposure, mechanical risks, and ergonomic concerns across a wide range of industries. In addition to rulemaking, OSHA conducts inspections of worksites to verify compliance with those standards and issues citations when violations are found. The agency also provides training, outreach, education, and assistance programs designed to help employers and workers recognize and prevent occupational hazards. One of its operational tools is the Injury Tracking Application, an electronic portal through which employers submit injury and illness data required under federal reporting rules. Through these activities OSHA aims to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities nationwide.

OSHA operates as part of the United States Department of Labor and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The agency employs a workforce of compliance officers, safety and health specialists, and support staff who carry out its enforcement and advisory functions across the country. Its regulatory reach extends to most private sector employers and certain public sector entities, covering millions of workers at numerous worksites. OSHA’s distinguishing attribute is its dual role as both a standard‑setting body and an enforcement authority, a combination that gives it direct influence over workplace conditions. The agency’s notable competencies include the development of science‑based safety standards, the conduct of targeted inspection programs, and the provision of consultation services that help small businesses achieve compliance without penalty. As a federal agency, OSHA has no parent or subsidiary organization; it reports directly to the Secretary of Labor and derives its authority from the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.