Which act mandates that employers provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) is the correct answer as it establishes the legal framework for ensuring that employers maintain a workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards. Enacted in 1970, this act empowers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to create and enforce regulations that protect workers’ safety and health. It specifically requires employers to provide a work environment that is safe and healthy, dictating that employers must address and mitigate any hazards that could potentially lead to illness or injury.

The focus of the OSH Act is to encourage the identification and mitigation of workplace dangers, thereby safeguarding the well-being of employees. This act also includes provisions for training, reporting, and access to safety information for workers to help them understand their rights and the safety measures in place.

Other options, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, primarily deal with wage protections and child labor laws, while the Employee Rights Act focuses on workers' rights regarding unionization and collective bargaining. The Workplace Safety Act is not a specific federal act recognized under the same framework as the OSH Act and does not carry the same enforcement mechanisms. Thus, the OSH Act is the most relevant legislation concerning workplace safety and health practices.