A federal workplace safety program that provides free, confidential consultations to small and medium-sized businesses has reached its 50th anniversary, helping nearly three million workers avoid hazardous conditions each year.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched its On-Site Consultation Program in 1975 to help employers identify workplace hazards and improve safety practices without triggering enforcement actions. The program now operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several U.S. territories.
Recent data shows the program conducts an average of nearly 24,000 worksite visits annually, with 98 percent going to businesses with 250 or fewer employees. A 2023 OSHA economic analysis found these efforts generate $1.5 billion in national benefits each year through reduced injuries and illnesses, lower workers’ compensation costs and increased productivity.
Program reaches major milestones
The consultation program reached one million total visits in 2010 and has played a role in disaster recovery efforts, including responses to the September 11 attacks and Hurricanes Katrina and Maria.
OSHA has expanded the program’s reach through digital tools, including the Small Business Handbook app that makes safety information more accessible to employers. The agency also created the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, which honors small businesses with outstanding safety records.
Companies that earn SHARP status receive a deferral from routine OSHA inspections and recognition as industry leaders in workplace safety. About 1,000 employers currently hold SHARP recognition for their safety programs.
Focus on small business needs
The program targets small and medium-sized businesses that may lack dedicated safety staff or resources to navigate complex workplace safety requirements. Consultations help employers understand hazards specific to their operations and develop comprehensive safety programs.
Unlike traditional OSHA enforcement, the consultation program operates with complete confidentiality and does not result in citations or penalties. Employers can request consultations to address specific concerns or conduct comprehensive workplace assessments.
The program’s approach focuses on practical, science-based solutions that protect workers while supporting business operations. Consultants work directly with employers to identify cost-effective safety improvements and help establish ongoing safety management systems.
Looking ahead
As the program marks its 50th anniversary, OSHA officials say they remain committed to helping small businesses create safer workplaces through practical guidance and support. The agency continues to expand digital resources and consultation services to meet evolving workplace safety needs.
The program’s track record demonstrates how proactive safety consultation can benefit both workers and employers by preventing injuries, reducing costs and improving workplace productivity across various industries.
