Approximately 14,900 workplaces with above average numbers of worker injuries and illnesses recently received a letter from Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

OSHA says the correspondence was an attempt to "reach out" to companies that have high rates of days away from work, restricted work or job transfer and let them know about resources that can help them improve their safety plans.

For each 100 full-time workers, the employers who were contacted had 2 or more injuries or illnesses that resulted in days away from work, restricted work or job transfer.  The national average is 1.8.

Michael’s letter urged the employers to develop their own safety and health plans, and pointed out that companies with 250 or fewer workers can get assistance from OSHA's free On-Site Consultation Program. The program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites.

On-site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing safety and health management systems.

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