What is the purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)?

The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is to ensure workplace health and safety by setting and enforcing standards that protect employees from hazardous working conditions. OSHA's primary focus is to create a safe environment that minimizes risks of accidents, injuries, and illnesses at work. The act empowers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to conduct inspections, enforce regulations, and provide training and education about workplace safety practices to both employers and employees.

In contrast, regulating employee salaries is not within the scope of OSHA; instead, it pertains to labor laws and economic regulations. Protecting trade secrets falls under intellectual property laws, which are separate from workplace safety legislation. While enforcing labor rights is crucial, it generally involves other federal and state laws that govern labor relations and employee rights, rather than encompassing the specific health and safety standards established by OSHA.