Which federal act is primarily aimed at ensuring worker and workplace safety?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is primarily aimed at ensuring worker and workplace safety. This federal law, enacted in 1970, provides the foundation for the creation of workplace safety standards and regulations to protect employees from hazards that could cause injuries or illnesses on the job. OSHA sets forth requirements for a wide range of workplace conditions, outlined safety protocols, and mandates training for employees and employers.

The focus of OSHA is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions through the enforcement of standards, partnerships with employers and employees, and by providing education on occupational safety and health. Its provisions encompass various aspects of worker rights, including the right to report unsafe conditions and the right to refuse tasks that are deemed unsafe.

In contrast, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) focuses on the management of hazardous waste, rather than direct workplace safety. The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, which is a separate issue from occupational safety. The Clean Air Act (CAA) sets standards for air quality but does not specifically address workplace safety. Each of these laws serves important but different functions within the realm of environmental and public health policies.