OSH ACT AND OSHA STANDARDS

Services Available - Consultation Assistance

Consultation assistance is available to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by the consultant. Federal agencies receive help from OSHA through the technical assistance program.

The service is provided to the employer with the assurance that his or her name and firm and any information about the workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA inspection staff.

Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state government agencies or universities employing professional safety consultants and health consultants. When delivered at the worksite, consultation assistance includes:

An opening conference with the employer to explain the ground rules for consultation

A walk through the workplace to identify any specific hazards and to examine those aspects of the employer's safety and health program which relate to the scope of the visit

A closing conference followed by a written report to the employer of the consultant's findings and recommendations.

53 of 67