Which agency provides guidelines for protecting workers from exposure to hazardous substances?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency responsible for providing guidelines and regulations aimed at protecting workers from exposure to hazardous substances in their workplace. OSHA sets and enforces standards that employers must follow to ensure a safe working environment. These standards include exposure limits for various hazardous substances, requirements for safety equipment, and guidelines for proper handling and storage of materials that could pose risks to employee health.

By establishing these regulations, OSHA plays a crucial role in minimizing risks associated with occupational hazards, including chemical exposures, and ensuring that workplaces are equipped to handle such substances safely. This proactive approach not only protects individual workers but also supports overall public health by reducing the incidence of work-related illnesses and injuries.

In contrast, while other agencies like NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) focus on research and recommendations regarding occupational safety and health, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) deals with public health issues, OSHA is specifically mandated to enforce workplace safety and health regulations. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is primarily involved with safeguarding public health through the regulation of food, drugs, and medical devices, which does not directly address workplace exposure to hazardous substances.