South carolina OSHA consultation cooperative agreement to fund consultative workplace safety and health services tosmaller employers with more hazardous operations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded $816,000 in Block Grant funding to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation under the Consultation Agreements program (CFDA 17.504) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award funds the delivery of no-cost, confidential on-site occupational safety and health consultation services targeting smaller employers with hazardous operations throughout South Carolina. Under this program, state consultants work directly with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide guidance on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving workplace safety and health programs.

The consultation services operate independently from OSHA enforcement activities and do not result in citations or penalties, enabling employers to address safety deficiencies without regulatory consequences. As a condition of the award, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation is required to contribute matching funds equal to at least 10 percent of the federal award amount. The department must maintain records related to program activities for three years following grant closeout or final audit, whichever occurs later, and will receive disbursements through the Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System.