Final answer:
An occupational health and safety program aims to prevent accidents and diseases, identify and control hazards, and prepare for emergency responses, under the guidelines of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and enforced by OSHA.
Step-by-step explanation:
An occupational health and safety program is an organized plan with multiple objectives aimed at maintaining a safe work environment. Three core goals of such a program include: A) Preventing workplace-related accidents and occupational diseases by identifying risks and implementing measures to mitigate them; B) Proactively identifying and controlling hazards to remove or reduce the risk of harm before incidents occur; and C) Responding to emergencies with plans and training that allow for effective and immediate reaction to unexpected situations, thus minimizing impacts on health and safety.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines the necessary regulations that workplaces must follow to protect workers, including but not limited to: providing safety training, keeping accurate records, performing workplace tests, supplying personal protective equipment, and informing workers about potential hazards. OSHA, established to enforce these regulations, ensures that workers are shielded from physical harm and that employers adhere to standards designed to minimize risks.