OSHA’s 21d Consultation Program SHARP

1. OSHA’s 21d Consultation ProgramSHARP TRFA 14 November 2005

2. 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

3. 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 • Assessment of workplace safety & health management system • Workplace hazard identification • Training and technical assistance

4. Workplace Safety & Health Consultation • How does it work? • 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 • Congressionally mandated activities • Imminent Danger Situations • Small, High-Hazard Employers targeted in the Federal or State strategic plan, National & Local Emphasis Programs, or other “Targeted Industries.”

5. Workplace Safety & Health Consultation • 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)

6. 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 • Follow-up Visit – verify correction of hazards

7. Workplace Safety & Health Consultation – Onsite Visits • Initial Visits • 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 assistance in interpretation of OSHA Standards • Follow-up Visit –verify correction of hazards

8. 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 • Work related injury and illness incident rates below national industry average • Correction of all hazards

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Form more info go to www.osha.gov

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

18. 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

20. 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