What is OSHA's primary focus in regulating hazardous materials?

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, primarily regulates hazardous materials with a focus on worker safety and health. This approach is rooted in the agency's mission to ensure that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause injury or illness. By setting and enforcing standards related to hazardous materials, OSHA aims to minimize exposure risks and protect workers from potential health effects that can arise from these materials.

The emphasis on worker safety means that OSHA provides regulations, training, and resources to equip employees with the necessary knowledge and protective measures when handling hazardous substances. This includes requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), safety data sheets (SDS), and proper emergency response protocols, ensuring that workers have safe practices in place while working with or around these materials.

In contrast, while environmental protection, product quality control, and transportation regulations are essential considerations in broader safety and environmental practices, they fall outside OSHA's primary scope, which is centered solely on the health and safety of workers in their workplaces. This focus distinguishes OSHA from other regulatory bodies that may concentrate on environmental impacts or product standards.