Which type of employees does the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) primarily direct health and safety standards for?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) primarily directs health and safety standards for private-sector employees. This federal law was established to ensure that employers maintain safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards. It covers a broad range of industries and is enforced through regulations that apply predominantly to private workplaces, which includes any company not owned or operated by the government.

While state, local, and federal government employees are also subject to safety regulations, they typically fall under different safety regulations, such as those detailed in state plans or individual federal agency guidelines. The emphasis of OSHA is on the private sector, focusing on the protection of workers from potential hazards found in various industries. Hence, the correct identification of employees under OSHA aligns with its overarching goal of ensuring worker safety in private employment contexts.