Which agency is responsible for establishing and enforcing standards to protect workers from job-related injuries?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency specifically tasked with establishing and enforcing standards aimed at protecting workers from job-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA was created under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. Its primary goal is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for all employees by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

OSHA covers a wide range of workplace safety issues, including exposure to hazardous substances, machine safety, fall protection, and ergonomics, among others. Through inspections and compliance enforcement, OSHA is able to ensure that employers adhere to established safety protocols, which helps to reduce accidents and work-related health issues.

The other agencies listed, while important in their own realms, do not specifically focus on worker protection in a workplace setting. The FDA oversees food and drug safety, the NIH conducts medical research, and the CDC is involved in public health and disease prevention, rather than directly enforcing workplace safety standards. Thus, OSHA is the correct agency responsible for safeguarding workers' health and safety.