OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program for Small Businesses

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice for employers at small businesses seeking help to identify and prevent job hazards or improve their safety and health management systems. In fiscal year 2010, the program provided free assistance to more than 30,000 small businesses covering more than 1.5 million workers across the nation. “These consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations,” says David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. “Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing safety and health management systems.” Through this service, employers can also qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.