Which federal agency is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America's workers. The agency sets and enforces safety standards, provides training and resources, and works to improve workplace safety through education and outreach.

OSHA has the authority to regulate a variety of workplace safety issues, including exposure to hazardous materials, machinery safety, and workplace ergonomics, among others. Their role is critical in maintaining safety standards and protecting worker rights, which is essential for minimizing workplace accidents and promoting a culture of safety.

While the other agencies mentioned have important roles in their respective fields—such as the FAA overseeing aviation safety, the EPA focusing on environmental protection, and the DOT managing transportation safety—none of them specifically address the broad scope of workplace health and safety in the way that OSHA does. This focus makes OSHA the correct answer to the question regarding federal oversight of safe and healthy working conditions.