The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today celebrates the 50th anniversary of its On-Site Consultation Program, a free, confidential safety and health service available to small and medium-sized businesses operating in high-hazard industries or performing high-hazard activities. The program, funded in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, helps businesses prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and assists them with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory compliance.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “I encourage all small businesses in high-hazard industries in New York to take advantage of our free resources to better protect their employees. The costs associated with a workplace injury can be overwhelming, and resources like the On-Site Consultation Program help employers ensure their workers’ safety while also protecting their bottom line.”
New York State’s On-Site Consultation Program began on May 20, 1975, to help businesses provide a safe and healthy workplace, following the establishment of OSHA. An injury on a jobsite imposes direct and indirect costs on businesses, including medical costs, lost time for workers, increased workers’ compensation costs and possible OSHA fines. Over the last 50 years, the program has been used by approximately 20,000 employers to potentially save as much as $500 million with around 30,000 workplace incidents prevented. Additionally, in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has provided assistance and guidance to protect worker safety and health.
Once an employer requests an on-site consultation, a Department representative travels to the worksite to evaluate OSHA-required documentation, potential hazards, work practices, and the employer’s safety and health program. The scope of the consultation is determined by the employer. The representative discusses findings and recommends improvements to the employer. All serious and imminent hazards that are identified must be corrected within a specific time frame, but no fines or penalties are incurred because of the visit. Other services the program provides include training, air sampling, and noise monitoring, and those services are also free.
Robin Sharpless, Executive Vice President of Redding-Hunter, Inc. said, “Our relationship with the NYSDOL On-Site Consultation program is well over a decade old and through that time we have built a very positive safety program and safety culture within our company. This is wholly the result of the combined efforts and education provided to our team by the safety consultants and industrial hygiene professionals within the NYSDOL Program. The NYSDOL On-Site Consultation program is an amazing blessing for smaller businesses in the State who wish to truly advance their health and safety efforts and programs.”
Eamonn McCarthy, Operations Manager of V&S New York Galvanizing LLC said, “Harnessing the wealth of experience and insight of the NY Dept. of Labor's safety and health On-Site Consultation program was a smart move for our company. Why? Because there is no ceiling when it comes to the safety and well-being of our team members. The NYSDOL Safety and Health team really helped us to raise our situational awareness to a new level when it came to the safety and wellness of our team."
Matthew Gardner, Engineering and Safety Director of Upstate Door said, “As a company dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, we have been incredibly grateful for the support and expertise provided by the NYSDOL team. The consultants and industrial hygienists have been invaluable resources, providing us with guidance and recommendations tailored to our specific industry and operations. They have always taken the time to understand our business and our goals, and have worked collaboratively with us to develop practical, cost-effective solutions to potential safety and health hazards. We would highly recommend their services to any organization looking to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.”
Carolina Becker-Berlitz, Quality and Environmental, Health, Safety Manager of DCW Casing LLC said, “The OSHA Consultation Program through the New York State Department of Labor demonstrated exceptional professionalism, commitment, and attention to detail during their visit to our facility. Their approach balanced enforcement with an understanding of our business operations, ensuring compliance without disrupting continuity. As this was our first experience with such a thorough evaluation, the insights gained were invaluable, leading to a reduction in workplace injuries and fostering a safer, more confident environment for employees and managers alike. Their efforts have reinforced our commitment to providing a workplace that prioritizes safety and environmental care.”
J.J. Kaye, Vice President of Cherry Creek Woodcraft said, “With the assistance of NYSDOL’s team, we can leverage shared expertise and innovative solutions to enhance our operations. By identifying and managing potential risks within our manufacturing facility, we can achieve more efficient production while prioritizing worker safety and maintaining high operational standards. The team’s knowledge and support are invaluable in upholding safety protocols and improving existing practices.”
Maria McGuinness, Human Resources/Safety Manager and ISO Management Representative of C&D Assembly, Inc. said, “Our company has been utilizing NYSDOL’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Services for over 16 years. I came to rely very heavily on the expertise of the safety and health consultants, incorporating their recommendations into our safety program. We’ve been through two surprise OSHA inspections, both of which resulted in zero citations, and I firmly believe this is directly attributed to incorporating those recommendations into our safety program.”
Michael Polcare, Site Superintendent of Bonacio Construction Inc. said, “I’ve been working with the consultation program for years. Every individual inspector has been excellent in observing and teaching our people. Thank you for keeping us safe and updating safety regulations.”
Carolyn Gordon, Environmental, Health and Safety Manager for Eastern Wholesale Fence said, “Our company has been utilizing NYSDOL’s On-Site Consultation services for a number of years now. Their professional and knowledgeable staff has had a tremendous impact on the safety of our facilities, in addition to the training services they offer. I would highly recommend their complimentary services for anyone that is looking to continue the “safety is paramount” standard.”
Mark Lo Bianco, President of Fantastic Fabrics & Promotions, Inc. said, “Along with sustainability policies already in place, the Health & Safety programs offered by NYSDOL have been invaluable to us and our employees. Knowing we work in a safer environment is our number one priority and should be for all companies. We recommend all business to take advantage of these vital services.”
Chris Jakubowsky, Chief Operating Officer of Royal Products said, “Royal Products has benefited from working with NYSDOL’s Division of Safety and Health for just over 24 years. With their help, we have created a safer work environment for all employees. Not only do the employees benefit, so does the company with improved employee retention and better insurance rates. I would highly recommend their services to other businesses.”
Michelle Soyring, Blending/Kitting Supervisor for Raymond Hadley Corporation said, “Our favorite part of working with them was the support they provided after the on-site visit was concluded. Our team felt comfortable reaching out by email or phone when more information was needed, and NYSDOL responded quickly and efficiently each time. I cannot say enough how much this meant to us as a company. Raymond Hadley Corporation highly recommends using this service for your business.”
Bob Confer, President of Confer Plastics Inc. said, “Confer Plastics has actively used the On-Site Consultation Service for nearly 25 years. The inspections or training provided by NYSDOL are an incredible public asset that helps us reassure and redefine safety in the workplace. There’s always insight to gain from this program.”
Each year, the On-Site Consultation program provides safety and health training to hundreds of employers and employees. In 2024, OSHA reported New York employers saved an estimated $89 million in injury-related costs over an eight-year period. The evaluation period took place from fiscal years 2012 to 2022, excepting fiscal year 2014 due to the government shutdown and fiscal year 2020-2021 due to COVID-19. The direct and indirect costs to the employer stemming from workplace injuries can be immense. However, these incidents are often avoidable. For more information, please visit the Department’s page on the On-site Consultation Program.
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- May 20, 2025
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