Which governmental agency is responsible for regulating and enforcing safety and health matters for most employees?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the governmental agency charged with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees across various industries. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA sets and enforces standards to protect workers from hazards that could cause injury or illness on the job.

OSHA's role encompasses the development of regulations pertaining to workplace safety, conducting inspections to ensure compliance, and providing training and education to both employers and employees. The agency also investigates workplace accidents and responds to worker complaints regarding unsafe conditions. By focusing specifically on occupational health and safety, OSHA plays a crucial role in creating a safer work environment.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different areas of public policy and health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulation, not directly on employee safety in the workplace. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deals with disaster response and recovery rather than workplace safety. The Department of Labor (DOL) has a broader mandate encompassing various labor-related issues, including unemployment, wages, and workplace laws, but it does not specifically enforce safety regulations, which is the primary function of OSHA.