An Ounce of Prevention

To help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Standards, the Department of Labor and Industry provides On-Site Consultation services. This program helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazard. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees. The on-site survey is conducted without citations or penalties. The on-site consultation is state/federally funded and services are offered at no cost to you.

The On-site Consultation services provide:

  • Safety and Health Walk-Through Surveys:

    At your request, a safety and/or health specialist will visit your business
    to explain the program. If you agree to participate, hazards and violations
    will be identified during a walk-through at your place of business. This walk-through
    is similar to a VOSH compliance inspection, except that no citations or penalties
    will be issued.
  • Abatement Advice:

    Any hazards or violations identified by the consultant will be discussed
    during the walk-through. A written report of the findings will be presented
    including advice for eliminating existing and potential safety of health hazards.
  • Training:

    In addition, training will be conducted on-site and recommendations for ongoing
    training will be provided.
  • Program Assistance:

    Assistance will be provided to develop safety and health programs that
    will prevent injuries and illnesses by eliminating and controlling hazards.
  • Taking Advantage of On-Site Consultation Could Mean:

    Fewer injuries and illnesses Lower workers’ compensation and other accident
    costs Increased productivity and improved morale Lower risk exposure
  • Employers requesting consultation services must:

    Appoint designated representative to opening and closing conferences Correct
    serious hazards identified by consultant Post the list of hazards the consultant
    identifies Submit written report verifying hazard correction.

For more information contact the VA Dept. of Labor & Industry Consultation
Services at (804) 786-8707.