Which agency is primarily responsible for ensuring safe work environments?

The agency responsible for ensuring safe work environments is OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA was established to ensure that employers provide their workers with an environment that is free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious physical harm. This includes setting and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health, conducting inspections, and providing training and education to employers and employees about workplace safety.

OSHA's regulations cover a wide range of workplace safety topics, including exposure to toxic chemicals, noise exposure, fall protection, and other safety measures that can protect workers. Therefore, when it comes to the prioritization of safety in the workplace, OSHA plays a critical role by creating guidelines and standards based on research and best practices.

In contrast, other agencies like the CDC primarily focus on public health and the prevention of disease, the FDA regulates food and drug safety, and The Joint Commission works towards the quality and safety of healthcare services. While these organizations play crucial roles in their specific domains, OSHA specifically addresses workplace safety, making it the correct choice in this context.