What is the primary role of OSHA in workplace safety?

The primary role of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards. This encompasses developing regulations and guidelines that employers must follow to mitigate workplace hazards and protect workers' health and safety. OSHA conducts inspections to ensure compliance with these standards and can enforce penalties for violations, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining safety across various industries.

While workplace training and education can be a part of OSHA's initiatives, it is not its primary role. Training programs are often available to help employers and employees understand OSHA standards, but they do not constitute the core mission of the organization.

Similarly, OSHA does not primarily focus on providing financial support for safety-related equipment. While it may offer resources or recommendations for best practices, funding and financial aid are outside its main responsibilities.

Lastly, mediation between employers and employees is generally not a direct function of OSHA. If disputes arise regarding workplace safety, OSHA may inspect and enforce standards, but it is not designed to mediate conflicts in the sense of resolving personal or contractual disagreements between parties.

In summary, OSHA's fundamental mission is about establishing and enforcing safety and health standards to create a safer work environment, which is why that answer correctly identifies its primary role.