Who is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions according to OSHA?

The responsibility for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) falls primarily on employers. This means that it is the duty of employers to provide a safe work environment, comply with OSHA standards, and ensure that safety protocols are in place to protect their employees' health and safety. Employers are required to identify and mitigate workplace hazards and supply appropriate training and equipment to ensure workers' safety.

The role of Congress is to legislate and establish laws regarding workplace safety but not to ensure compliance or conditions directly. Employees are responsible for following safety protocols but do not have the overarching authority to ensure workplace safety. Local governments can implement and enforce laws within their jurisdictions, but they typically do so in conjunction with OSHA regulations rather than replacing the employer's responsibility to uphold workplace safety standards.