Safety in everyday small business operations is essential for employees, customers and long-term success. Understanding and maintaining safety guidelines can be challenging, and OSHA offers resources designed to help employers prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
OSHA's Cooperative Programs
Your small business must cooperate with OSHA to maintain safety and remain compliant with laws, but you may not know where to start. OSHA offers several cooperative programs that help prevent workplace incidents and improve safety management.
Available programs include:
- Alliance Program
- OSHA Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP)
- Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
- OSHA Challenge Program
- On-site Consultation Program's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)
On-Site Consultation Program
Get personalized advice with a free and confidential on-site consultation. The consultant does not issue penalties or citations because the visit is meant to identify hazards and recommend improvements.
The consultant will identify workplace hazards, share advice on how to become compliant with OSHA guidelines, and help implement injury and illness prevention programs.
A consultant can help identify hazards such as trip-and-fall concerns in corridors and walkways — see Corridors and Walkways Safety Plan for related guidance.
While the program prioritizes high-hazard worksites, it is available to all small and medium-sized businesses and is completely free.
Diverse Workforce / Limited English Proficiency Coordinators
If your workforce includes Spanish speakers or other limited-English-proficiency employees, you may need additional education, outreach and training assistance. Schedule a seminar or workshop with an OSHA coordinator to help train and prepare your employees effectively.
Compliance Assistance Specialists (CAS)
When you're ready to host a seminar or workshop on safety challenges or compliance issues, contact a Compliance Assistance Specialist. In federally governed states, OSHA area offices have CAS staff who provide training resources and promote cooperative programs.
Training Institute (OTI) and Training Education Centers
Access a variety of OSHA trainings, including technical advice, seminar and workshop speakers, and audiovisual aids through the Training Institute and regional Training Education Centers. These resources include basic and advanced safety and health courses as well as small business seminars.
Health-care practices and clinics should also review specialized coverage options such as Occupational Therapy Clinic Insurance when evaluating risk and training needs.
Penalty Reductions
Non-compliance with safety regulations can result in penalties, but small-business status and other factors may reduce fines. Review your business size and circumstances to assess potential eligibility for penalty reductions.
OSHA safety guidelines protect employees and businesses by reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities, and using available resources helps maintain compliance and long-term success.
If you want professional help evaluating coverage or safety needs, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an on-site consultation include?
An on-site consultation typically includes a walkthrough to identify hazards, written recommendations for compliance, and advice on implementing prevention programs.
Is the on-site consultation program free?
Yes, the consultation service is free and confidential for eligible small and medium-sized businesses; consultants do not issue citations during the visit.
How can I get help training employees with limited English?
OSHA offers coordinators and outreach resources to help with training and materials for limited-English-proficiency employees.
Who should I ask about possible penalty reductions?
Discuss penalty reduction eligibility with compliance specialists or your risk advisor to understand how business size and circumstances may affect fines.