In a July 24, 2025 News Release, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced new and updated self-audit program initiatives designed to help employers voluntarily assess and improve compliance with federal labor laws and to correct potential violations proactively. According to Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, “Self-audits are one of the most effective ways to build a culture of compliance and trust.”
Although these recent changes apply to six different agencies within the DOL, the focus of this blog is on how they relate to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.
Voluntary Protection Programs
Under the DOL launch, OSHA is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). The VPP initiative was adopted in 1982 to promote workplace safety and health. For businesses in the VPP, cooperative relationships between management, supervisory personnel, employees, and OSHA are established in workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system.
The expanded program will allow companies in the VPP to undergo regular self-evaluation and avoid routine OSHA inspections.
Businesses must apply for the program and are assessed on performance-based criteria for a well-managed safety and health system. OSHA’s verification includes an application review and an on-site evaluation. The Agency approves qualified organizations to one of the following three programs:
- Star: Recognition for employers who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards, and in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of their safety and health management system.
- Merit: Acknowledgement of employers and employees who have developed and implemented good safety and health management systems, but who must take additional steps to reach Star quality.
- Demonstration: Highlighting employers and employees who operate effective safety and health management systems that differ from current VPP requirements. This program enables OSHA to evaluate the efficacy of different approaches.
According to OSHA, the benefits of participating in this program include substantially fewer injuries, illnesses, and days away from work and/or restricted work assignments. This has resulted in reduced workers’ compensation premiums and other related costs leading to significantly increased profits.
To find out if your company is qualified to participate, refer to OSHA’s VPP Application Process Guide and Application Qualification FAQ for more information.
On-Site Consultation Program
OSHA is also increasing its efforts to support voluntary compliance through its On-Site Consultation Program, which offers no-cost and confidential safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses. The intent of the program, which began in 1975, is to help employers improve safety practices, identify workplace hazards, and build strong safety and health programs without triggering OSHA enforcement.
Consultation services are provided by state agencies or universities that are funded by Federal OSHA. Businesses can use the OSHA Consultation Directory to book an on-site visit which will include opening and closing meetings as well as a facility walkthrough. The goal is to help companies recognize workplace hazards and suggest general approaches or options for solving safety or health issues identified.
The consultants generally just provide a one-time visit and do not issue citations or propose penalties for non-compliance with OSHA standards. In addition, they do not report possible violations to OSHA. To qualify for a consultation, businesses are required to make a commitment before the visit to correct any serious safety and health hazards identified.
According to OSHA, in the last 10 years, the program has averaged approximately 24,000 worksite visits annually, with the majority (98 percent) to businesses with 250 or fewer employees. The advantages of this program have included reduced workplace injury and illnesses, and associated cost savings. Per the Agency, the On-Site Consultation Program saves the national economy approximately $1.5 billion per year.
To learn more about the DOL’s voluntary compliance initiatives, how they might help your organization, and how we can assist, contact us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training.
