OSHA’s 21d Consultation Program SHARP TRFA 14 November 2005

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation Services Free service delivered by state government (agency or university) with approximately 90% funding provided by OSHA Consultation services are confidential and independent of enforcement “side of the house” Well trained and professional consultants

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation Services usually provided onsite, though limited services offsite are available No citations issued or penalties assessed Employer commits to correct serious hazards Consultation services include: Evaluation of OSHA mandated safety programs Evaluation of OSHA mandated safety programs Assessment of workplace safety & health management system Assessment of workplace safety & health management system Workplace hazard identification Workplace hazard identification Training and technical assistance Training and technical assistance

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation How does it work? Employer requests services via telephone, letter, fax, or internet Employer requests services via telephone, letter, fax, or internet Consultant and employer discuss scope of services to be provided and establish visit date based on priority of request Consultant and employer discuss scope of services to be provided and establish visit date based on priority of request 1)Congressionally mandated activities 2)Imminent Danger Situations 3) 3)Small, High-Hazard Employers targeted in the Federal or State strategic plan, National & Local Emphasis Programs, or other “Targeted Industries.”

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation 4) 4)Small, High-Hazard Employers a) High Incidents Rates b) High-Hazard SIC Codes c) Alternative High Hazard Listing d) Secondary SIC e) Process Hazardousness f) Small, Non-High Hazard Employers g) Larger Employers (Small employer: 250 or fewer employees onsite; less than 500 nationwide)

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation – Onsite Visits Initial Visit Opening Conference – review workplace safety policies/procedures/programs; injury/illness data Hazard Survey – identify workplace hazards Closing Conference – discuss hazards, recommend corrective actions, establish corrective action due dates Training and Assistance Visits – provide formal or informal training, as well as technical assistance Training and Assistance Visits – provide formal or informal training, as well as technical assistance Follow-up Visit – verify correction of hazards Follow-up Visit – verify correction of hazards

Workplace Safety & Health Consultation – Onsite Visits Initial Visits Opening Conference- review workplace safety policies/procedures/programs; injury/illness data Opening Conference- review workplace safety policies/procedures/programs; injury/illness data Hazard Survey – identify workplace hazards Hazard Survey – identify workplace hazards Closing Conference – discuss hazards, recommend corrective actions, establish corrective action due dates Closing Conference – discuss hazards, recommend corrective actions, establish corrective action due dates Training and Assistance Visits – provide formal or informal training, as well as assistance in interpretation of OSHA Standards Follow-up Visit – verify correction of hazards

Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Some worksites may qualify for exemption from programmed OSHA inspections if: Effective Safety and Health Management System in place Effective Safety and Health Management System in place Work related injury and illness incident rates below national industry average Work related injury and illness incident rates below national industry average Correction of all hazards Correction of all hazards

SHARP Administered by Consultation Projects Recognizes employers with exemplary safety and health management systems Recognized employers receive “SHARP Certificate”, flag, and, initially, a one year exemption from OSHA programmed inspections, renewable for up to two years.

Benefits of Consultation Make safety and health activities routine considerations rather than crisis-oriented responses Knowledge of workplace hazards and ways to eliminate them can improve your operations and the management of your firm Reduce losses & costs Increase profitability of operations

Consultation 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.

Consultation 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.

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Did I mention the best part about OSHA’s Consultation Service? It’s… FREE!!!

Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health (CCOHS) Established in 1978, CCOHS is a federal departmental corporation which reports to the Canadian Parliament through the federal Minister of Labour. Governed by a Council representing three key stakeholder groups: government (federal, provincial and territorial), employers, and workers Mission: To promote health and safety in the workplace in Canada to: Facilitate Consultation and cooperation among federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions Participation by labour and management Assist in the development and maintenance of policies and programs Serve as a national centre for information relating to occupational health and safety

Canada’s National Occupational Health and Safety Website (CANOSH) Site created and maintained by CCOHS Designed to provide Canadian employers and employees with a convenient and efficient way to access the health and safety information provided by the federal, provincial, and territorial government agencies responsible for OSH, Worker’s Compensation Boards and the CCOHS