OSHA Offers On-Site Consultation Program

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small- and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs.

Using a no-cost consultation service largely funded by the OSHA, employers can find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their safety and health programs, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.

The service is delivered by state governments using well-trained professional staff. Most consultations take place on-site, though limited services away from the worksite are available.

Primarily targeted for smaller businesses, this safety and health consultation program is completely separate from the OSHA inspection effort. In addition, no citations are issued or penalties proposed.

The consultation is completely confidential and any information provided about the workplace, plus any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions that the consultant uncovers, will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff.

The only obligation will be to correct serious job safety and health hazards — a commitment which is expected to be made prior to the actual visit and carried out in a timely manner.

Because consultation is voluntary, it must be requested (see OSHA’s Consultation Directory). The consultant will discuss your company’s specific needs and set up a visit date based on the priority assigned to the request, work schedules and the time needed for the consultant to adequately prepare.