Utah Contractor Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of OSHA?

1. Adopts safety and health laws and standards

2. Helps employers voluntarily follow safety and health laws and standards

3. Makes decisions on appeals of citations for safety and health violations

4. Issues permits and registers contractors who do asbestos-related work

The correct answer is: Helps employers voluntarily follow safety and health laws and standards

The primary purpose of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The agency works to encourage employers and employees to follow safety and health laws to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. While OSHA does establish safety and health laws and standards, which seems like a main function, its overarching mission revolves around promoting voluntary compliance among employers to create a safer workplace environment. By helping employers understand and follow these laws and standards voluntarily, OSHA aims to improve overall workplace safety. The other choices mentioned refer to specific functions related to OSHA's operations. For instance, OSHA does have a role in issuing permits for certain operations like asbestos-related work, but this is not its primary purpose. Similarly, while OSHA can respond to appeals concerning its citations, these activities are part of the regulatory process and not the main goal of the organization.