OSHA consultation cooperative to fund workplace safety and health services to smaller employers with more hazardous occupations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded $606,000 to the State of Nebraska Department of Labor on October 1, 2025, under the Consultation Agreements program (CFDA 17.504) to deliver no-cost, confidential on-site workplace safety and health consultation services. This block grant, effective through September 30, 2026, targets smaller employers engaged in high-hazard operations throughout Nebraska. The consultation program operates separately from OSHA enforcement activities and does not result in citations or penalties.

Under this award, the State of Nebraska Department of Labor will provide occupational safety and health professionals who conduct on-site consultations to identify workplace hazards, advise employers on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. The program prioritizes service delivery to small and medium-sized businesses in hazardous industries and operates as part of OSHA's broader national on-site consultation initiative serving all 50 states and U.S. territories. As a designated state agency, Nebraska is required to provide a minimum 10 percent match to the federal funding to support program operations and is responsible for retaining records for three years following grant closeout or final audit.