University of South Florida
College of Public Health
USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56
Tampa, FL 33612-3805
Call USF SafetyFlorida to schedule a free and confidential consultation to learn if your business is eligible to be exempt from OSHA inspections through the SHARP program
Ask your USF SafetyFlorida consultant about SHARP, the OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program
OSHA encourages employers to operate exemplary safety and health management systems. To reward such employers, OSHA allows those who meet a few basic eligibility requirements to become exempt from OSHA inspections for a period of not less than one year, with eligibility for a renewal if qualified. To learn how you can qualify for an OSHA inspection exemption, call 1-866-273-1105.
If you have satisfied all SHARP participation criteria, including a score of at least "2" on all 58 attributes of the Safety Assessment Worksheet (form 33), USF SafetyFlorida may recommend your site for final approval. Employers who meet all the requirements for recognition and exemption will have the names of their establishments removed from OSHA's Programmed Inspection Schedule for a period of not less than one year. The exemption period will extend from the date of issuance by the Regional Office of the certificate of recognition.
The renewal exemption period will be based on OSHA approval. You must apply for renewal during the last quarter of the initial exemption period. Of course, a fatality, a formal complaint, or a catastrophe involving the hospitalization of one or more employees will trigger an inspection of your site by Federal OSHA at any time during the initial or renewal periods.
If you have otherwise met the eligibility requirements but need some time to implement an effective safety and health management system -- you may request an OSHA inspection deferral of up to 18 months. During this time you will not be inspected by OSHA, but your consultant will provide you with an action plan and will visit you on an interim basis to help you qualify for the SHARP.
USF Safety Consultation Program is a confidential small business service of the University of South Florida, College of Public Health. Our service is free, because it is funded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the State of Florida. That’s why we are able to help employers like you with OSHA regulations while reducing your cost for workers’ compensation illnesses and injuries.
Call USF SafetyFlorida to schedule a free and confidential consultation to learn if your business is eligible to be exempt from OSHA inspections. Ask us to schedule a consultant to help you keep your profits safe, lower your workers’ comp costs, and meet OSHA compliance standards – without an OSHA inspection!
You can also read about SHARP and our consultation service in this handy brochure.
SHARP brochure 822.26 kB
Contact our management team at usfsafetyflorida@usf.edu or call 1-866-273-1105.