Explain the different steps involved in a consultation provided by an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) official to an employer

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The steps involved in a consultation provided by an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) official to an employer are as follows:
a. Walk-through: In this, the employer and consultant, together, will examine conditions in the workplace. OSHA strongly encourages maximum employee participation in the walk-through. Talking with employees during the walk-through helps the consultant identify and judge the nature and extent of specific hazards. The consultant studies the entire workplace or the specific operations designated by the employer and discusses the applicable OSHA standards. Consultants also will point out other safety or health risks that might not be cited under OSHA standards, but still pose safety or health risks to employees. They may suggest other measures to prevent future hazardous situations. A comprehensive consultation also includes 1 ) appraisal of all mechanical and environmental hazards and physical work practices, 2 ) appraisal of the present job safety and health program or establishment of one, 3 ) a conference with management on findings, 4 ) a written report of recommendations and agreements, and 5 ) training and assistance with implementing recommendations.
b. Opening Conference: Upon arrival at the site, the consultant will first meet with the employer in an opening conference to briefly review the consultant's role and the obligations of the employer.
c. Initiation: The consulting process is initiated by a confidential phone call or letter to OSHA.
A consultant will discuss the employer's specific needs and set up a visit date.
d. Abatement and Follow-through: Following the closing conference, the consultant sends the employer a detailed written report explaining the findings and confirming any abatement periods agreed upon. Consultants may also contact the employer from time to time to check the firm's progress. Ultimately, OSHA requires hazard abatement so that each consultation visit achieves its objective—effective employee protection. If you fail to eliminate or control identified serious hazards (or an imminent danger) according to the plan and within the limits agreed upon or an agreed-upon extension, the situation must be referred from consultation to an OSHA enforcement office for appropriate action, although these situations almost never arise.
e. Closing Conference: The consultant then reviews detailed findings with the employer in a closing conference. Problems, possible solutions, and abatement periods to eliminate or control any serious hazards identified during the walk-through are discussed. In rare instances, the consultant may find an "imminent danger" situation during the walk-through. If so, immediate action must be taken to protect all employees. In certain other situations that would be judged a "serious violation" under OSHA criteria, the employer and the consultant are required to develop and agree to a reasonable plan and schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The consultants will offer general approaches and options to the employer, and may also suggest other sources for technical help.