VOSH Field Operations Manual, version 3.7 (August 2023)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources Page
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health – The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program is the Commonwealth’s counterpart to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The VOSH Program is responsible for enforcing occupational safety and health laws and regulations in the private and public sectors and also provides free consultative, outreach and training services to encourage and provide assistance to Virginia’s employers to enhance safety and health protections for their employees.
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Compliance – Unplanned safety and health enforcement inspections are conducted in response to accidents, employee complaints and referrals; while planned inspections occur through special emphasis inspection programs and randomly scheduled inspections of high hazard industries. The VOSH Program also issues permits for lead and asbestos abatement projects, conducts inspections and administers the laws affecting emission of these pollutants.
Asbestos and Lead Programs – This agency program is part of a larger multi-agency state program, requiring licensing and certification by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Consultation Services – To help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH Standards, DOLI provides free, on-site consultation services without issuing citations or penalties. This program helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards through an agreement between the employer and Consultation Services. Assistance in developing an effective safety and health program for the employer is also provided.
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program – (SHARP) recognizes exceptional safety and health efforts for small, high-hazard businesses of 250 or fewer employees.
Virginia Voluntary Protection Programs – (VPP) recognizes exceptional safety and health efforts for large businesses of 250 or more employees.
Virginia BEST – Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training, a strategic partnership between the VOSH program and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. Virginia BEST is designed to encourage and recognize AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.
VPP Challenge – VPP Challenge is a step by step three stage process that gives you a road map to making your company one of the safest and healthiest in the country.
Research and Analysis – The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, produces estimated injury and illness rates by industry. The annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, also conducted through the BLS, provides a detailed report on all workplace fatalities.
Program Related Links – A complete listing of all DOLI administered program second and third party links.