Final answer:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency created by Congress to manage construction site safety and protect workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agency created by Congress to manage construction site safety and to protect workers from physical harm in the workplace is known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which President Richard M. Nixon signed into law on December 29, 1970. Its mission is to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance". This agency plays a crucial role in the federal government's regulation of workplace safety.
OSHA is not just limited to physical safety regulations but also oversees aspects like whistleblower protection. The agency is headed by the Assistant Secretary of Labor. Regulatory enforcement is a significant aspect of OSHA's responsibilities. Compliance Safety and Health Officers conduct inspections, with the power to assess fines for violations. Inspections are not random but are planned, especially for worksites considered particularly hazardous. They may also occur following a fatality, multiple hospitalizations, worker complaints, or referrals.
In the broader context of federal regulation, agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and newly created Bureau of Consumer Protection work similarly within their purview to ensure safety, health, and consumer protection. The array of these agencies shows the government's commitment to protect its citizens from various risks, whether they are in the workplace, healthcare, environment, or the marketplace.