California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which federal agency is responsible for reducing and preventing worker injuries?

1. CDC

2. CMS

3. OSHA

4. NIOSH

The correct answer is: OSHA

The correct answer focuses on OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is the federal agency specifically tasked with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers across the United States. This agency sets and enforces standards for workplace safety, provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees, and plays a critical role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. In contrast, the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, primarily deals with public health issues, including infectious diseases, health statistics, and health education but does not focus directly on workplace safety. CMS, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, oversees health insurance programs for certain populations and does not have a role in workplace safety regulation. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses but does not have the enforcement authority that OSHA possesses. Therefore, OSHA is recognized as the central authority for establishing and enforcing workplace safety standards, which makes it the correct choice.