Free OSHA On-Site Consultation
OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program gives small and medium-sized businesses free, confidential safety and health advice. It is completely separate from OSHA enforcement: consultants don’t write citations or propose penalties.
- Employers
- Small Business
Who it’s for
- Run by state agencies or universities in every state, funded largely by OSHA.
- Priority goes to smaller businesses (generally fewer than 250 workers at a site and no more than 500 nationwide) in high-hazard industries.
- Construction contractors, manufacturers, auto shops, restaurants, farms and many others use it.
How a visit works
- Request: the employer contacts the state consultation program. Only the employer can request a visit.
- Opening conference: the employer and consultant agree on the scope, from one hazard to the whole site.
- Walkthrough: the consultant looks at the workplace, talks with workers, and may take air, noise or other samples.
- Closing conference and written report: hazards found, how serious they are, and suggested fixes, plus advice on the safety program.
- Correction: the employer fixes serious hazards by the agreed dates. Consultants can help and may follow up.
What the employer agrees to
- No citations or penalties. Your information isn’t routinely shared with OSHA enforcement.
- The employer must agree to correct serious hazards that are found, on a reasonable timeline.
- Imminent dangers must be addressed right away. If an employer refuses to fix a serious hazard, the program can refer it to enforcement. That is rare.
- Workers are informed of the visit, and the hazard correction list is posted.
SHARP recognition
Businesses with exemplary safety programs can earn recognition through the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). It may exempt them from routine programmed OSHA inspections for a period of time. Businesses working toward it can join Pre-SHARP. Complaints, fatalities and serious incidents can still lead to inspections.
Getting ready for a visit
- Injury and illness logs (OSHA 300) for the last few years
- Written programs, such as hazard communication and lockout
- Training records
- A list of the questions and problem areas you want looked at
- Supervisors and workers available to talk with the consultant
For workers: if your employer is a small business, suggest it. It’s a no-cost way to get expert help. If you think there’s a hazard and your employer won’t act, you can still file a complaint with OSHA. See Your Rights as a Worker.
Standards & references
- OSHA: On-Site Consultation
- 29 CFR Part 1908: Consultation agreements
- See also: OSHA for Small Contractors
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