VOSH Programs

Compliance

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Program conducts inspections of private and public sector employers to assure compliance with the laws, standards and regulations of the Commonwealth. The Compliance Program may issue citations listing violations of the standards and regulations to employers, determines dates by which violations must be abated, and may propose civil monetary penalties for certain types of violations. For more information about the VOSH Program.

The VOSH Program also assures compliance with the Virginia Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act which was enacted by the General Assembly in 1989 and codified at §59.1-406 to 414. This Act is designed to “promote the safety and protection of persons engaged in work or activity in the vicinity of overhead high voltage lines.” It is enforced in the same manner as VOSH regulatory standards.

The Department’s Asbestos Notification and Permit Program was established by the General Assembly in 1992 and codified at §40.1-51.20 to 51.22, as part of a larger state program requiring licensing and certification of asbestos contractors and workers by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The 1995 General Assembly amended §40.1-51.20 to 51.22 and the accompanying DPOR laws to add identical requirements for lead removal contractors and workers which became effective July 1, 1996.

In addition, the Asbestos NESHAP Program was transferred to the Department from the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board by the General Assembly in 1992 and codified at §40.1-51.23 to 51.41, as part of a consolidation of inspection responsibilities concerning asbestos removal projects in the areas of NESHAP, asbestos licensing and occupational safety and health standards and regulations for asbestos. View DOLI’s Asbestos and Lead Regulations.

For more information concerning Occupational Safety Compliance please contact the Safety Compliance Director at (804) 786-7776. For more information concerning Occupational Health Compliance, contact the Health Compliance Director at (804) 786-0574, or visit the OSHA, EPA or NIOSH web sites.

Safety in Agriculture – Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries. Farmworkers are at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, work-related lung diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, skin diseases, and certain cancers associated with chemical use and prolonged sun exposure. Between 2003 and 2011, 5,816 agricultural workers died from work-related injuries in the US.

Focus Four Campaign – The Focus Four Hazards have accounted for the vast majority of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. The monthly Tool Box Talk series is part of an effort to prevent future injuries and fatalities,

Increase in Maximum VOSH Statutory Penalties takes effect August 1, 2023.

Silica in Construction 1926.1153 Enforcement Training and Outreach Information

Goodyear Fatality and Accident Investigations for 2015 and 2016

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.

For more information on best practices for preventing fatalities, injuries and illnesses click Best Practices

Program Specifics

Program Directive Training