Who ultimately determines the safe working conditions under the OSH act?

The determination of safe working conditions under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act rests with Congress. This is because Congress is responsible for enacting laws that establish the framework and underlying principles of workplace safety standards, which regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) then implement. Congress defines what constitutes a safe working environment and empowers OSHA to develop specific regulations, conduct inspections, and enforce compliance.

While OSHA authorities indeed play a crucial role in enforcing these safety standards, their authority derives from the laws passed by Congress. Employers and safety officers have important responsibilities in maintaining safety on the job, but they must operate within the guidelines established by federal legislation. Thus, it is Congress that ultimately sets the legal standards for safe working conditions that OSHA regulates.