Who is responsible for providing a safe working environment under OSHA?

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, employers have the primary responsibility for providing a safe and healthful working environment for their employees. This legal obligation encompasses identifying and mitigating potential hazards, providing necessary safety equipment, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. Employers must also comply with OSHA standards and regulations, which cover a wide array of workplace safety topics, including fall protection, machine guarding, and exposure to hazardous substances.

While workers play a vital role in maintaining workplace safety by adhering to safety practices and reporting unsafe conditions, the ultimate responsibility lies with the employer to create and uphold a safe working environment. Insurance providers may offer coverage for workplace injuries, and government regulators like OSHA enforce compliance, but it is the employers who are accountable for taking proactive measures to ensure safety in the workplace.