Which agency is responsible for worker safety and protection?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees across various industries. OSHA sets and enforces standards for workplace safety and health, provides training, and offers assistance to employers and workers to help them understand and comply with safety regulations. This agency plays a crucial role in minimizing workplace hazards, thereby protecting workers from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

In contrast, the National Safety Council primarily focuses on advocating for safety-related initiatives and education but does not have regulatory authority. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals with environmental protection issues, while the Department of Labor oversees various labor-related concerns, including but not limited to unemployment benefits, workforce statistics, and labor rights, but does not specifically govern workplace safety as OSHA does. Therefore, OSHA's dedicated focus on worker safety makes it the correct answer in this context.