Employers who qualify for OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, or SHARP, receive exemption from OSHA general schedule enforcement inspections. To qualify, you must receive a comprehensive consultation visit, correct all identified hazards and demonstrate that effective safety and health programs are in place.

When SHARP status has been granted, employers must post a notice of participation and of correction of all hazards, agree to inform the consultant whenever new processes involving new hazards are introduced into the workplace and complete implementation of their health and safety management program as scheduled. (Inspections prompted by an employee complaint, fatality or catastrophe are not exempted in this program.)

SHARP is currently available only at fixed worksites, although inclusion of construction and other mobile sites is under review. And participation is limited to companies with fewer than 250 employees per site and 500 per corporation. Larger companies can achieve recognition for their achievements through the Voluntary Protection Program, or VPP. Ask your consultant if VPP might be an option for your company.