Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/860755
24 PalletCentral • July-August 2017 palletcentral.com SAFETY Other discussions suggested that long-standing VPP companies should "graduate" from the program and no longer receive a pass on OSHA inspections, but that they could be used to mentor other employers who wish to enter the program. The resource issue could be addressed by charging VPP participants a fee for applications, screening and on-site approvals. Meanwhile, OSHA's appropriations for FY 2018 will be slashed by $12 million more than what President Trump originally proposed – at least if the House legislation prevails. On July 13th, the appropriations subcommittee approved $531.5 million for OSHA overall, which is a 4 percent reduction from current funding levels ($20 million cut). Full committee markup will occur in July as well, with possible riders added to prevent OSHA from enforcing some of its recent Obama-era rules. While OSHA's ability to enforce the law will be slashed in the reported House measure, the agency's federal compliance assistance budget was increased by $1.4 million or almost 2 percent over FY 2017, and 5.7 percent over FY 2016. Some funds are specifically protected for the VPP activities, but the bill states only that "no less than $3.5 million" shall be for VPP, so the eventual funding levels for next year are still unknown. It is quite possible that the Senate will be more generous toward the VPP initiative, since it is strongly supported by the business community, but any additional financial support will either come from syphoning monies away from OSHA enforcement or standard-setting activities, or possibly by establishment of a fee- based system, as some supported at the conference. Stay tuned! PC OSHA's Free On-Site Consultation Program O SHA offers free and confidential safety and occupational health advice to small and medium- sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. Learn more: http://bit.ly/1LUboY8 Adele L. Abrams is an attorney and safety professional who represents companies in litigation with OSHA and also provides safety training and consultation. The Law Office of Adele L. Abrams PC has three offices: Beltsville, MD; Denver, CO; and Charleston, WV. Adele can be reached at 301-595-3520 or www.safety-law.com.