Which section of OSHA holds federal agency heads accountable for providing safe and healthful working conditions?

The correct answer identifies Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which emphasizes the responsibility of federal agency heads to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for their employees. This section underpins the overarching goal of the OSHA framework, which is to promote and ensure workplace safety.

Section 19 specifically mandates that federal agencies must comply with OSHA standards as they would require private sector employers to do. This establishes a formal accountability mechanism, holding federal agencies to the same standards of workplace safety that apply to private employers. The significance of this requirement is multifaceted; it not only promotes the health and safety of federal workers but also reinforces the principle of shared responsibility for workplace safety across all sectors.

This section is essential in ensuring that the government sets a positive example for private industries and establishes a culture of safety that encourages compliance and continuous improvement in workplace conditions.