Final answer:
The objective of ensuring that all machine operators have received proper skills and training before starting work is a regulatory objective, intended to ensure safety and compliance with agency standards such as OSHA.
Step-by-step explanation:
All machine operators have to receive the proper skills and training before starting work. This is a regulatory objective. Regulations ensure that licensing requirements and safety and environmental standards are met, which can sometimes act as informal trade barriers. However, their main purpose is to protect workers and ensure safety in the workplace. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards that employers must follow, such as providing adequate fall protection and preventing exposure to harmful chemicals. The aim is to keep workplaces safe and to prevent accidents and injuries, which aligns with regulatory objectives.
The blank in the question refers to the objective that all machine operators have to receive the proper skills and training before starting work. Based on the given options, the most appropriate answer would be d. Regulatory. Regulatory objectives are focused on ensuring compliance with established rules and regulations that govern the operation of machines and the safety of workers.