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

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded the State of Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry a $1.412 million Block Grant effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, under the Consultation Agreements program (CFDA 17.504). This award funds the delivery of no-cost, confidential on-site occupational safety and health consultation services to small and medium-sized employers in Minnesota with hazardous operations. Consultation services operate independently from OSHA enforcement activities and do not result in citations or penalties.

The consultation program delivers critical hazard identification, OSHA standards compliance guidance, and technical assistance to help employers establish and improve workplace safety and health programs. As the designated state agency, Minnesota's Department of Labor & Industry implements these consultative services while maintaining the required 10 percent non-federal match to the federal funding. Grantees must retain records for three years following grant closeout or final audit, whichever occurs later, and receive funds through the Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System.