For nearly 35 years, Vermont's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) has labored diligently to protect the health and safety of working Vermonters. Operating in concert with business and industry, VOSHA has greatly reduced the number of work-related injuries and fatalities occurring in Vermont. As a result, fewer families have suffered the premature loss of a loved one, fewer productive work days have been lost due to preventable injuries, and a large number of employers have avoided costly and unnecessary lawsuits. We, in Vermont, can be proud of our state's accomplishments on behalf of its workforce.

A safe and healthful workplace is important to the financial well being of a company. Employees are more productive and happier when the risk of injury or illness is reduced. A first line defense against rising Workers' Compensation costs is to reduce or eliminate the injuries in your workplace. VOSHA wants to work with employers and employees to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

Established in 1972, following federal enabling legislation. VOSHA was comprised of two sections; the Enforcement Section and the Consultation and Training Section. In October of 2002, Labor & Industry reorganized and created two separate programs, each with their own manager, reporting directly to the Commissioner. Each program utilizes the same Vermont standards to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees, however, each employs different methods to gain compliance. The Enforcement Section uses citations, with associated penalties, for serious violations. Escalating penalties exist for repeated violations, failure to correct, or willful violations. The consultation program, known as Project WorkSAFE, is a FREE business assistance program that works at an employer's REQUEST to assist them with meeting VOSHA standards.