Which of the following government agencies requires employers whose employees are likely to need rope rescue to provide for prompt rescue?

The correct answer is that OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that employers must ensure a prompt rescue for employees working in situations where rope rescue may be necessary. This requirement is part of OSHA's regulations regarding fall protection and safety in the workplace, particularly in environments such as construction sites, where workers may be at risk of falling from heights or working in confined spaces.

OSHA's regulations emphasize the importance of having adequate rescue plans and equipment in place to safeguard employees who may be exposed to hazardous situations. These regulations aim to minimize the potential for serious injuries or fatalities by ensuring that timely rescue operations can be performed when necessary.

In contrast, the other agencies mentioned, such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and HHS (Department of Health and Human Services), focus on different areas of public safety, regulation, and health that do not specifically address workplace rescue protocols related to rope use. Therefore, it is OSHA's specific mandate that relates to the requirement for prompt rescue in contexts where rope rescue could be necessary.