Which category of employer must protect workers against permit space hazards by complying with the standard?

The correct answer emphasizes the responsibilities of the entry employer, which is defined by OSHA's Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard (29 CFR 1910.146). The entry employer is the entity that organizes and manages the entry operations into the permit-required confined spaces. This employer must ensure that workers are protected from the hazards associated with those spaces.

This protection includes a variety of responsibilities, such as evaluating potential hazards, providing training for workers, ensuring proper safety equipment is available, and implementing measures to eliminate or control those hazards. The entry employer plays a crucial role in developing the safety protocols and ensuring compliance with regulations to safeguard their employees' well-being.

In contrast, other roles such as general contractors, subcontractors, and project managers may have responsibilities in a project but do not specifically fall under the definition of an entry employer for the purpose of permit space hazards. They may coordinate safety measures and compliance through oversight, but the direct obligations to protect workers within permit spaces lie squarely with the entry employer.