SafeDE provides FREE comprehensive onsite assistance for small and medium-sized private sector establishments to identify potential workplace hazards, improve safety and health management systems, and assist in voluntary compliance with federal OSHA regulations.
When arriving at your worksite for the scheduled on-site visit, the Consultant will first meet with you in an opening conference to briefly review the consultant’s role, obligations you incur as an employer, and your employer rights.
Together, you and the consultant will examine conditions in your workplace and identify hazards that expose employees
to safety and health dangers. The consultant will also review which mandatory work practices, engineering and administrative controls, and written safety and health programs are in place. The consultation service strongly encourages maximum employee participation in the survey. Better informed and more alert employees can more easily work with you to identify and correct potential injury and illness hazards in your workplace. Talking with employees during the survey helps the consultant identify and judge the nature and extent of specific hazards. With the employer’s permission, the consultant may photograph hazards identified during the survey and include the photos in the written report. They may suggest other measures, such as self-inspection, safety and health training, and program implementation, to prevent future hazardous situations.
The consultant will then review detailed findings with you in a closing conference. You will learn not only what you need to improve, but what you are doing right, as well. At that time you can discuss problems, possible solutions, and abatement periods to eliminate or control any serious hazards identified during the survey.
In rare instances, the consultant may find an “imminent danger” situation during the survey. If so you must take immediate action to protect all employees. In certain other situations — those which would be judged a “serious violation” under OSHA criteria — you and the consultant are required to develop and agree to a reasonable plan and schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The consultants will offer general approaches and options to you. They may also suggest other sources for technical help.
Following the closing conference, the consultant will send you a written report explaining the findings and confirm agreed upon abatement periods. Consultants may also contact you from time to time to check your progress. You, of course, may always contact them for assistance.
If you fail to eliminate or control identified serious hazards (or imminent danger) according to the plan and within the agreed-upon time limit, the situation may be referred from consultation to the local area federal OSHA enforcement office for appropriate action.
Using a no-cost consultation service, employers can find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their safety and health programs, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.
This service is provided by well-trained professional staff by the Delaware Department of Labor. Consultation visits can be conducted for the entire workplace or limited to specific areas or processes.
This safety and health consultation program is completely separate from the OSHA inspection effort. In addition, no citations are issued or penalties proposed. Your only obligation will be to correct hazards identified by the consultants.
It’s confidential, too. Your name, your firms name, and any information you provide about your workplace, plus any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions that the consultant uncovers, will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff.
Let’s make your business stronger.
Employment in certain industries falls under the oversight of other government agencies such as Federal OSHA, U.S. Coast Guard, FAA, DOT, FRA, MSHA, and specific state and/or municipal safety departments (police, fire, teachers, and general public employment) that are not under our jurisdiction.
Federal Employment
Federal employment refers to employment with the federal government of the United States. This includes positions within military installations and other federal facilities. Military bases and federally owned or leased property are examples of these facilities.
Civilian contractors may also work on these facilities under the supervision of the federal government. These contractors provide various services such as construction, maintenance, and logistics support. Such industries may include:
Civilian Employment
Civilian employment refers to employment that is not related to military service or government agencies. It includes jobs in private companies, non-profit organizations, and other industries not directly affiliated with the military or government. Such industries may include:
The On-site Consultation service is offered by the Delaware Department of Labor and is delivered by the Office of Safety and Health Consultation using a well-trained, professional staff.
Frederick Eysaldt
Administrator
Fred is a highly experienced program administrator with a strong background in safety and health, spanning over 25 years. He began his career as a safety consultant in 2007, and since then, has been passionately dedicated to promoting worker safety and health. As the leader of the SafeDE Safety and Health Consultation Program, Fred provides invaluable guidance and expertise to ensure the program's success. Prior to joining the program, Fred worked as a safety and health officer at MBNA America, where he gained valuable field experience and helped drive continuous improvement of the company's safety and health management system.
Gina Martinez
Safety & Health Consultant
Gina Martinez joined DE DOL OSHA Consultation in September 2023. Gina’s passion for safety started in
2010 working in general industry. She pursued a degree in Occupational Health and Safety to support
her position as a Safety Coordinator and oversaw six locations. Gina graduated with a degree in February
2023, and is looking forward to learning a second language and continue her education in Occupational
Health and Safety for an advanced degree. Gina believes, teaching by education, training by knowledge,
and leading by example- one safety moment at a time.
Jon Ohman
Safety Consultant
Jon has over 41 years of experience in Occupational Safety and Health, having worked with the U.S. Department of Labor, NASA, and the Maryland Air National Guard. He is cross-trained in the field of Industrial Hygiene and provides safety and health assistance to small businesses in Delaware under a contract with the United States Department of Labor. Jon conducts hazard audits, evaluates safety and health programs, and designs and delivers safety and health training for employers and employees. He also mentors and trains new employees and instructs interested parties in General Industry, Construction, and Maritime disciplines.
Elena Cuthbertson
Administrative Assistant II
Elena is a skilled addition to the SafeDE team, having joined in February 2022. With extensive experience in a variety of fields, including industrial manufacturing, industrial health and safety, medical laboratory technology, and office administration, Elena brings a diverse skill set and a wealth of knowledge to the SafeDE team. She is passionate about workplace safety and is dedicated to helping businesses across Delaware create and maintain safe work environments. With her expertise in multiple industries, Elena is able to provide tailored safety solutions to businesses of all sizes and types, ensuring that workers are able to perform their duties in a safe and healthy manner.
Joseph Arvay
Supervisor
Joseph joined the Department of Labor in 2021. His journey with SafeDE began as a Labor Market Analyst, where he administered the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities activities for the state of Delaware.
He became the group’s supervisor in 2024 and is responsible for the program’s day-to-day operations. With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Penn State, Joseph brings a strong analytical background to his work. He is committed to providing employers any and all opportunities to evaluate and improve their workplace safety & health practices, thereby creating favorable working conditions for all employees.
Roger Furman
Industrial Hygienist
Roger joined SafeDE as an Industrial Hygienist in 2024, bringing a unique and extensive set of experience to the department. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and an Associate of Science degree in nursing. His career in Industrial Hygiene has previously had stops in private consulting, aerospace manufacturing, and other state government agencies. Roger is a valuable member of the SafeDE team, as he conducts surveys for health hazards, including monitoring and sampling, in both construction and general industry workplaces. Some areas of focus that he particularly enjoys include raising awareness and safety in the stone countertop industry and helping to prevent the spread of avian influenza among farmers, the public, and livestock.
Sheherbano Shabbir
Labor Market Analyst
Sheherbano is an integral member of the SafeDE team, having joined the Department of Labor in 2022, and joining SafeDE in 2024. She is responsible for Delaware's participation in two critical programs, the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), both of which are part of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program. Sheherbano is dedicated to ensuring that Delaware businesses have access to the most up-to-date data on occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Through her work, Sheherbano is committed to promoting workplace safety and helping businesses identify areas for improvement to create safer work environments for their employees.
All SafeDE services are voluntary and confidential. There are no fines, penalties, or fees associated with this service.
SafeDE consultations are free and confidential. There are no fines, citations, or fees associated with the service
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