Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What does regulation refer to?

1. A voluntary guideline

2. A rule made by an authority

3. A suggestion for best practice

4. A standard procedure

The correct answer is: A rule made by an authority

Regulation refers to a rule made by an authority, which is often established to ensure compliance with laws and to protect public health and safety. This definition is grounded in the idea that regulations are enforceable and carry legal weight. They are pivotal in various industries, including those related to occupational safety and health, where they set the framework for safe working conditions and practices that employers must follow to protect their employees. In contrast to regulations, voluntary guidelines are not mandatory and do not have legal enforcement, meaning adherence is optional. Suggestions for best practices provide guidance and recommendations but do not carry the weight of authority or law, making them less formal than regulations. Standard procedures, while essential for maintaining consistency and safety in operations, do not necessarily have the legal authority that regulations do. Thus, the strength and mandatory nature of regulations make them a fundamental aspect of regulatory compliance in any industry.