Describe the importance of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

Description should include

• the importance of OSHA—safety standards are set to promote workplace safety by reducing incidents of worker injury or death and employer violations
• the importance of the EPA—regulations, based on Congressional laws, are established to protect the environment, reduce pollution, and promote conservation of environmental resources.

Process/Skill Questions

• What is the main role of the EPA in the precision machining industry?
• Why do some political groups and business owners want to reduce the regulations set by the EPA and OSHA?
• How was the industry regulated prior to the establishment of OSHA?