What does the term "occupational safety" primarily focus on?

The term "occupational safety" primarily focuses on preventing workplace accidents. This is a crucial aspect of workplace regulations and practices aimed at protecting employees from hazards that could lead to injuries or fatalities while on the job. Occupational safety encompasses various strategies and measures, such as implementing safety protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, providing proper training, and ensuring that the workplace environment is free from dangerous conditions.

By prioritizing the prevention of accidents, organizations fulfill their legal obligations and ethical responsibilities to provide a safe working environment. This focus not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to improved productivity and morale. In contrast, the other options revolve around different aspects of employment that, while important, do not directly address the core goal of maintaining safety within the workplace. Negotiating employee benefits, regulating pay rates, and ensuring employer profitability represent different areas of employment relations rather than the specific safety measures that protect workers from harm.