OSHA consulttion cooperative agreement to fund workplaces safety & health consultative services to small/medium size employers in high hazards operations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded a $328,000 Block Grant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Labor, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, under the Consultation Agreements program (CFDA 17.504). This funding supports the delivery of no-cost, confidential on-site occupational safety and health consultation services to small and medium-sized employers engaged in high-hazard operations throughout the Northern Mariana Islands. The award enables the CNMI OSHA On-Site Consultation Program Division to provide targeted consultative services that help local employers identify workplace hazards, obtain guidance on compliance with OSHA standards, and establish or improve workplace safety and health programs.

As a prime awardee with no documented sub-contractors, the Commonwealth operates independently to deliver on-site consultation, technical assistance, and safety guidance directly to eligible employers. Notably, the consultation services provided under this grant operate separately from OSHA enforcement activities and do not result in citations or penalties, positioning the program as a cooperative, non-punitive resource for workplace safety improvement. This award represents the third consecutive annual federal grant from OSHA to this entity, demonstrating sustained commitment to supporting occupational safety initiatives in the Northern Mariana Islands.