In the third column under the “Example” heading for each agency or law:
Provide one example of how the law/agency would be applied.
Provide one example of a violation of that law/agency.
1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Example of application: OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards to protect employees from hazards. An employer must provide training on hazardous chemicals in the workplace to ensure employees know how to handle them safely.
- Example of violation: An employer fails to provide proper protective equipment to employees working with hazardous materials, resulting in exposure to harmful chemicals and potential health risks.
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Example of application: The FTC regulates deceptive advertising practices to protect consumers from false or misleading claims. A company must clearly label a product as "100% organic" only if it meets the FTC's standards for organic certification.
- Example of violation: A company falsely advertises a product as "all-natural" when it contains synthetic ingredients, deceiving consumers and violating FTC regulations.
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Example of application: The EPA sets standards for air and water quality to protect the environment and public health. A factory must install pollution control devices to reduce emissions of harmful gases and particulate matter into the air.
- Example of violation: A company illegally disposes of toxic waste into a nearby river, contaminating the water supply and violating EPA regulations on proper waste management.
4. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Example of application: The SEC regulates the securities industry to protect investors and maintain fair and transparent markets. A publicly traded company must disclose accurate financial information in its annual reports to ensure investors have access to reliable data.
- Example of violation: A company's executives engage in insider trading by purchasing shares based on non-public information, unfairly profiting at the expense of other investors and violating SEC regulations on market manipulation.
5. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Example of application: The EEOC enforces laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace based on factors such as race, gender, or disability. An employer must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, such as providing assistive technology or modifying work schedules.
- Example of violation: An employer refuses to hire a qualified job applicant because of their age, discriminating against them based on a protected characteristic and violating EEOC regulations on age discrimination.