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INFORMATION DATE 19920715
DESCRIPTION USDOL Program Highlights - OSHA Consultation Service
TOPIC OSHA Consultation Service
SUBJECT The OSHA Consultation Service
U.S. Department of Labor
Program Highlights
Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-04
THE OSHA CONSULTATION SERVICE
Using a free consultation service largely funded by the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can
find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their
safety management systems, 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.
It's confidential, too. Your name, your firm's name, and any
information you provide about your workplace, plus any unsafe or
unhealthful working conditions that the consultant uncovers, will not
be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff.
Your only obligation will be to commit yourself to correcting
serious job safety and health hazards -- a commitment which you are
expected to make prior to the actual visit and carry out in a timely
manner.
GETTING STARTED: Since consultation is a voluntary activity, you must
request it. Your telephone call or letter sets the consulting
machinery in motion. The consultant will discuss your specific needs
with you and conduct research useful in preparing to assist you. OSHA
encourages a complete review of your firm's safety and health
situation; however, if you wish you may limit the visit to one or more
specific problems.
OPENING CONFERENCE: When the consultant arrives at your worksite for
the scheduled visit, he or she will first meet with you in an opening
conference to briefly review the consultant's role and the obligation
you incur as an employer.
WALK-THROUGH: Together, you and the consultant will examine conditions
in your workplace. OSHA strongly encourages maximum employee
participation in the walk-through. Better informed and more alert
employees can more easily work with you to identify and correct
potential injury and illness hazards in your workplace. Talking with
employees during the walk-through helps the consultant identify and
judge the nature and extent of specific hazards.
The consultant will study your entire plant or specific
operations you designate and discuss the applicable OSHA standards.
Consultants also will point out other safety or health risks which
might not be cited under OSHA standards, but which nevertheless may
pose safety or health risks to your employees. They may suggest
other measures such as self-inspection and safety and health training
to prevent future hazardous situations.
A comprehensive consultation also includes: (1) appraisal of
all mechanical and environmental hazards and physical work practices;
(2) appraisal of the present job safety and health program or
establishment of one; (3) a conference with management on findings; (4)
a written report of recommendations and agreements; and (5) training
and assistance with implementing recommendations.
CLOSING CONFERENCE: The consultant will then review detailed findings
with you in a closing conference. You will learn not only what you
need to improve, but what you are doing right, as well. At that time
you can discuss problems, possible solutions and abatement periods to
eliminate or control any serious hazards identified during the
walk-through.
In rare instances, the consultant may find an "imminent danger"
situation during the walk-through. If so, you must take immediate
action to protect all employees. In certain other situations those
which would be judged a "serious violation" under OSHA criteria -- you
and the consultant are required to develop and agree to a reasonable
plan and schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The consultants
will offer general approaches and options to you. They may also
suggest other sources for technical help.
ABATEMENT AND FOLLOW THROUGH: Following the closing conference, the
consultant will send you a written report explaining the findings and
confirming any abatement periods agreed upon. Consultants may also
contact you from time to time to check your progress. You, of course,
may always contact them for assistance.
Ultimately, OSHA does require hazard abatement so that each
consultation visit achieves its objective -- effective employee
protection. If you fail to eliminate or control identified serious
hazards (or an imminent danger) according to the plan and within the
limits agreed upon or an agreed-upon extension, the situation must be
referred from consultation to an OSHA enforcement office for
appropriate action. This has occurred only rarely in the past.
BENEFITS: Knowledge of your workplace hazards and ways to eliminate
them can only improve your own operations -- and the management of your
firm. You will get professional advice and assistance without hiring
additional staff. The consultant can help you establish or strengthen
an employee safety and health program, making safety and health
activities routine considerations rather than crisis-oriented
responses. Fixed worksites which undergo a comprehensive consultation,
correct all identified hazards, and establish an effective safety and
health program may receive a certificate exempting them from programmed
inspections for one year. The exemption may be limited to smaller
employers and to employees covered by federal OSHA.
THE ON-SITE CONSULTANTS WILL: --Help you recognize hazards in your
workplace. --Suggest general approaches or options for solving a
safety or health problem. --Identify kinds of help available if you
need further assistance. --Provide you a written report summarizing
findings. --Assist you to develop or maintain an effective safety and
health program. --Provide training and education for you and your
employees. -- Recommend you for a one-year exclusion from OSHA
programmed inspections, once program criteria are met.
THE ON-SITE CONSULTANTS WILL NOT: --Issue citations or propose
penalties for violations of OSHA standards. --Report possible
violations to OSHA enforcement staff. --Guarantee that your workplace
will "pass" an OSHA inspection.
State OSHA consultation programs generally are listed in the
state government section of the telephone directory under "Department of
Labor and Industry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is one of a series of fact sheets highlighting U.S. Department of
Labor programs. It is intended as a general description only and does
not carry the force of legal opinion. This information will be made
available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202)
523-8151. TDD message referral phone: 1-800-326-2577.