Small Business Resources
OSHA offers a variety of resources
to small businesses, to assist small businesses in meeting their compliance
obligations. These resources include:
OSHA's
Free On-Site Consultation Program
OSHA's free On-site Consultation Program offers confidential advice to small and medium-sized
businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard
worksites. On-site consultation services
are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations.
Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify
workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist
in establishing illness and injury prevention programs.
Because
consultation is a voluntary activity, employers must request it. To make a
request, locate your state's Consultation Program contact information using the
OSHA Consultation
Directory. The consultant will discuss your specific needs with
you and set up a visit date based on the priority assigned to your request,
your work schedule, and the time needed for the consultant to adequately
prepare to serve 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.
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 injury
and illness prevention program.
- Provide training and education for you and your
employees.
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.
Compliance
Assistance Specialists (CAS)