The University of the Virgin Islands received a $492,000 Block Grant from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Consultation Agreements program (CFDA 17.504), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award funds the Caribbean Green Technology Center Safety in Paradise initiative, which delivers no-cost, confidential on-site occupational safety and health consultation services to small and medium-sized employers throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program operates independently of OSHA enforcement mechanisms and does not result in citations or penalties, focusing instead on identifying workplace hazards, providing compliance guidance with OSHA standards, and assisting employers in establishing and improving safety and health programs.
As a university-administered consultation program designated to serve the territory, the University of the Virgin Islands delivers direct technical assistance to private employers with priority given to smaller organizations operating in high-hazard industries. The consultation services address occupational safety and health needs specific to the Caribbean region while meeting federal program requirements, including maintaining matching funds equivalent to at least 10 percent of the federal award and retaining required program records for three years following grant closeout or final audit.