General Duty Clause 5a is designed for who?

• A. Employers
• B. Employees
• C. OSHA inspectors
• D. Manufacturers

Answer: (A)

General Duty Clause 5(a) places the responsibility on employers to keep the workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm, including hazards not covered by specific OSHA standards. This is why the answer is employers—the clause assigns the duty to those who control the work environment and can take corrective action. OSHA inspectors enforce this provision, but their role is to verify compliance by the employer, not to bear the primary burden of providing a safe workplace. Employees have rights and can report hazards, and manufacturers may contribute to risks through equipment or processes, but the obligation to address hazards in the workplace sits with the employer.