Which entity is responsible for enforcing OSHA regulations?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the authoritative body designated to enforce regulations related to safe and healthful working conditions in the United States. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's primary mission is to ensure that employers comply with set safety standards and to provide training, outreach, education, and assistance to both employers and employees. This includes conducting inspections, issuing citations for non-compliance, and authorized penalties to promote workplace safety.

Understanding the roles of the other entities helps clarify OSHA's unique position. The Department of Labor oversees various aspects of labor laws and can encompass OSHA but is not the direct body responsible for enforcement of safety regulations. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent work-related injury and illness, but it does not have enforcement authority. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulating pollutants, making it distinct from OSHA's health and safety mandate. Thus, OSHA is the correct answer as it is specifically tasked with enforcing workplace safety regulations.