To qualify, a business should request and receive a complete on-site consultation survey and employ at least one person at the worksite to be evaluated. Furthermore, the business should have no willful, repeat or willful-repeat citations within 24 months of the consultation and no serious citations related to injury or exposure within 12 months of the consultation. During the initial on-site consultation, a safety consultant will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all written accident prevention management programs. The consultant will also speak with workers and conduct an evaluation of the worksite. The on-site evaluation process reviews:

• Administration and oversight of safety management programs
• Safety and health management practices
• Safety training and instruction
• Employee safety rulesInternal safety inspection routines for new and existing substances, processes and equipment

If any hazards are identified during the initial visit, an abatement of those specific hazards must take place before award recognition is granted. After the final on-site consultation, the company will be recommended to consultation program management to receive a Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award.

OSHA Recommended Practices

• Safety and Health Programs
• Safety and Health Programs in Construction

Earning a Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award represents your team's commitment to safety. It takes a team effort from management and employees to integrate safety as an ongoing business practice. Implementing safety initiatives that better protect employees on the job is something your company will take great pride in. Your company will notice other benefits, too, such as fewer accidents, higher productivity and fewer workers' compensation claims. The Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award does not exempt businesses from OSHA inspections. Only the SHARP award, OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Award, allows exemptions for a period of not less than one year.

USF SafetyFlorida 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 and reduce 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! Contact our management team today:

Brian Warrick
Program Director
1-866-273-1105