Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating hazardous materials in the workplace?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is primarily responsible for regulating hazardous materials in the workplace. OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards while providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. This encompasses the regulation of hazardous substances that may pose risks to workers' safety and health, including chemicals, biological agents, and other potentially hazardous materials encountered in various industries.

OSHA establishes permissible exposure limits and requires employers to implement safety measures such as proper labeling, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials. Through the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), for example, OSHA mandates that employers inform workers about the hazards of chemicals they might be exposed to, ensuring that they are aware and can take appropriate precautions.

While other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have important roles in environmental protection, transportation safety, and disaster response respectively, OSHA's primary focus on workplace safety makes it the key agency for regulating hazardous materials in that context.