Which group is primarily responsible for enforcing hazard communication regulations?

The primary responsibility for enforcing hazard communication regulations lies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA establishes and enforces workplace safety and health standards, which include the requirements for the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This framework mandates that employers inform and train workers about the hazards of chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace. OSHA conducts inspections and has the authority to issue citations for non-compliance, making it the key regulatory body in charge of ensuring that these safety standards are upheld.

While employers have important roles in implementing and maintaining these regulations, such as providing proper labeling, training, and access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), they are not the enforcers of the regulations. Insurance companies and local health departments may play supportive roles in occupational health and safety, but they do not have the enforcement authority granted to OSHA. Therefore, recognizing OSHA's role in this context is crucial for understanding how hazard communication regulations are maintained and enforced in workplaces.