Client Perceptions of Occupational Health and Safety Management System Assistance Provided by OSHA On-Site Consultation: Results of a Survey of Colorado Small Business Consultation Clients

Abstract

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-Site Consultation Service provides assistance establishing occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) to small businesses. The Safety and Health Program Assessment Worksheet (Revised OSHA Form 33) is the instrument used by consultants to assess an organization's OHSMS and provide feedback on how to improve a system. A survey was developed to determine the usefulness of the Revised OSHA Form 33 from the perspective of Colorado OSHA consultation clients. One hundred and seven clients who had received consultation services within a six-year period responded to the survey. The vast majority of respondents indicated that the Revised OSHA Form 33 accurately reflected their OHSMS and that information provided on the Revised OSHA Form 33 was helpful for improving their systems. Specific outcomes reported by the respondents included increased safety awareness, reduced injuries, and improved morale. The results indicate that the OHSMS assistance provided by OSHA consultation is beneficial for clients and that the Revised OSHA Form 33 can be an effective tool for assessing and communicating OHSMS results to business management. Detailed comments and suggestions provided on the Revised OSHA Form 33 are helpful for clients to improve their OHSMS.

The associations between occupational health and safety management system programming level and prior injury and illness rates in the U.S. dairy industry

“…Despite these challenges, the Revised OSHA Form 33 attribute scores and comments can provide valuable feedback to an organization about OHSMS performance and what changes may lead to improvements. In a recent study, 97 percent of respondents to a survey of OSHA consultation clients in Colorado reported that the Revised OSHA Form 33 was accurate and that the results were helpful for improving their organization's OHSMS (Autenrieth et al, 2015). Detailed comments and suggestions on low scoring attributes were considered particularly helpful for making workplace improvements, according to respondents (Autenrieth et al, 2015).…”

“…In a recent study, 97 percent of respondents to a survey of OSHA consultation clients in Colorado reported that the Revised OSHA Form 33 was accurate and that the results were helpful for improving their organization's OHSMS (Autenrieth et al, 2015). Detailed comments and suggestions on low scoring attributes were considered particularly helpful for making workplace improvements, according to respondents (Autenrieth et al, 2015). Given the value of Revised OSHA Form 33 to clients and the apparent associations between OHSMS programming and reduced injury and illnesses, prioritizing the completion of the Revised OSHA Form 33 and including comments and suggestions for improvement may be beneficial for consultation visits in the U.S. dairy industry.…”