1. The OSHA Consultation Program - Background
   1. Subsequent to the promulgation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), the Agency recognized that employers needed to better understand their obligations under the Act. Small employers in particular expressed difficulty in interpreting the sometimes complex occupational safety and health regulations that could apply to their workplaces and in identifying hazards at their worksites. Moreover, small employers often lack the financial resources to hire outside private consultants to aid them in meeting their obligations under the Act.

Purpose of the Consultation Program

The purpose of the Consultation Program is to reduce the incidence of injury or illness to workers by enhancing the employer's ability to identify and control safety and health hazards.

Through OSHA's On-site Consultation program, the Agency offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultation services are provided by the states including State Plan states, to help employers identify and correct workplace hazards.