The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards On-Site Consultation Program provides free and confidential workplace safety and health consultations to small and high-hazard businesses in Massachusetts. Consultants conduct on-site surveys to identify hazards, provide guidance on compliance with OSHA standards, and ensure hazards are addressed without penalties. The program aims to help employers establish effective safety and health programs through voluntary compliance.

1. Deval L. Patrick, Governor
Rachel Kaprielian, Secretary
Marvin Lewiton, M.S., CIH
Industrial Hygiene Supervisor
On-Site Consultation Program

2. Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
On-Site Consultation
United States Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. Consultation operates in every state
Most of funding from OSHA, but functionally separate
6 Safety Professionals
6 Industrial Hygienists
Offices in Westborough,
Taunton, Lawrence,
& Springfield

4. Free!
Confidential
Voluntary- employers request
Focus on small, high hazard businesses
Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food processing
No penalties or fines

5. On-Site Surveys
Technical information via phone/email
Training for employers/employees
Provide model written safety and health programs
Assist in evaluating, developing or maintaining an effective overall Safety and Health Program

6. Issue citations or propose penalties
Tell OSHA where we go, what we see, who we talk with, etc.
Guarantee workplaces will “pass” an OSHA inspection

7. Employer makes request (phone/email)
Information to Project Supervisor
Assigned to consultant(s)
Consultants contact company

8. Small businesses:
◦fewer than 250 employees at one site
or 500 employees nationwide
High hazard industries:
◦high hazard SIC/NAICS codes
◦Mainly manufacturing, construction and healthcare

9. Employer should provide:
Injury and illness logs (OSHA 300)
Safety Data Sheets
Complaint letter (if applicable)
Names/addresses of subcontractors/GC
Other pertinent information

10. Opening conference
Program / recordkeeping review
Walkthrough (air, noise monitoring)
Closing conference
Abatement and follow-up

11. Opening Conference
◦Review employer obligations
◦Imminent danger hazards-corrected
◦Serious hazards-corrected within a reasonable time
◦Allow consultant to speak to employees
◦Agree to post List of Hazards

12. Walk through
Limited vs. comprehensive survey
Identify safety and health hazards
Indicate to the employer if hazard is imminent/serious/other-than-serious
Air monitoring
Technical assistance on the correction of identified hazards

13. Health:
Chemical hazards
PPE / Respiratory Protection
Bloodborne Pathogens
Noise
Ergonomics
Permit-required confined spaces
Recordkeeping

14. Safety consultants:
Fall protection / scaffolding
Electrical hazards
Machine guarding
Fork trucks
Hoists and cranes
Fire protection / egress routes
Recordkeeping

15.  Closing Conference
◦ Review identified hazards
◦ Set time frame for correction of serious hazards
◦ Answer any questions
 Written Report
◦ To employer
◦ Summarizes findings
◦ States hazards found
◦ Identifies OSHA standard
◦ Recommendations for corrective action
◦ Sets abatement dates
◦ Report of Employer Action taken
◦ List of Hazards

16. Posts List of Hazards
Unedited
In a prominent location
3 working days, or until hazards are corrected
(whichever is longer)
Provides abatement verification

17. Consultation Program Sponsored ◭General Industry Roundtables ◭OSHA 10 Training in Construction ◭OSHA 10 Training in General Industry ◭Occupational Hazard Recognition Seminar ◭Breakfast Meeting-Top 4 Construction Hazards ◭Breakfast Meeting-Hazards of Lead Guest speakers at a variety of venues

18. On-Site Consultation Program
Contact us at:
Phone (508) 616-0461
Fax (508) 616-0467
Visit our website at :
www.mass.gov/dols/consult
marvin.lewiton@state.ma.us

19. Questions?