Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards?

1. Environmental Protection Agency

2. Federal Bureau of Investigation

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

4. National Institute of Standards and Technology

The correct answer is: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency tasked with enforcing workplace safety standards. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's primary goal is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Through inspections and regulation enforcement, OSHA seeks to reduce workplace hazards and educate employers and workers about their rights and responsibilities related to occupational safety. The other choices do not focus on workplace safety. The Environmental Protection Agency primarily deals with environmental protection and regulations, addressing issues like air and water quality. The Federal Bureau of Investigation focuses on national security and law enforcement, addressing crime and terrorism, rather than workplace safety. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is involved in developing measurement standards and technology but does not have a mandate to enforce workplace safety.