Which agency's guidelines must be followed for workplace safety and health regulations?

The guidelines that must be followed for workplace safety and health regulations are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This agency is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by establishing and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA's regulations cover a wide range of workplace hazards and require employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees.

While other agencies may deal with aspects of safety in their specific domains—such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning environmental regulations, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) related to maritime safety, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) managing disaster responses—none hold the comprehensive mandate over workplace safety that OSHA does. Understanding the distinct roles of these agencies helps clarify why OSHA is the appropriate authority in this context.