Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...
Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...
Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...
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18(b) of <strong>the</strong> OSH Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements<br />
that are at least as effective as federal requirements. There<br />
are currently 26 state plan states: 22 of <strong>the</strong>se adm<strong>in</strong>ister plans<br />
cover<strong>in</strong>g both private and public (state and local government)<br />
employees; <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r plans, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong> Islands, cover public sector employees only.<br />
Consultation Services<br />
Consultation assistance is available on request to employers<br />
who want help <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a safe and healthful<br />
workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, <strong>the</strong> service is provided at no<br />
cost to <strong>the</strong> employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers<br />
with more hazardous operations, <strong>the</strong> consultation service is<br />
delivered by state governments employ<strong>in</strong>g professional safety<br />
and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance <strong>in</strong>cludes an<br />
appraisal of all mechanical systems, work practices and occupational<br />
safety and health hazards of <strong>the</strong> workplace and all aspects of <strong>the</strong><br />
employer’s present job safety and health program.<br />
The program is separate from OSHA’s <strong>in</strong>spection efforts. No<br />
penalties are proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by<br />
<strong>the</strong> consultant. The service is confidential. For more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
concern<strong>in</strong>g consultation assistance, see <strong>the</strong> OSHA website at<br />
www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbus<strong>in</strong>ess/consult.html.<br />
Voluntary Protection Programs<br />
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) and onsite consultation<br />
services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program,<br />
expand worker protection to help meet <strong>the</strong> goals of <strong>the</strong> OSH Act.<br />
The three levels of VPP—Star, Merit, and Star Demonstration—are<br />
designed to recognize outstand<strong>in</strong>g achievement by companies that<br />
have successfully <strong>in</strong>corporated comprehensive safety and health<br />
programs <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir total management system. The VPPs motivate<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs to achieve excellent safety and health results <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same<br />
outstand<strong>in</strong>g way as <strong>the</strong>y establish a cooperative relationship<br />
among employers, employees and OSHA.<br />
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