What is the role of OSHA?

The role of OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is primarily focused on ensuring workplace safety and health. This federal agency is responsible for setting and enforcing standards related to safe and healthy working conditions. It provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees to foster a safer work environment.

In the context of asbestos and similar hazards, OSHA establishes regulations that govern exposure limits, training requirements, and the use of personal protective equipment. This involves ensuring that employers implement the necessary controls to protect workers from hazardous materials like asbestos, thereby reducing the risks associated with exposure.

While organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) might handle environmental hazards and air quality standards more directly, OSHA's mandate specifically gears towards operative safety regulations in workplaces, ensuring that health and safety practices are followed to protect workers in various industries.