Small firms can be matched with and mentored by a VPP site that will share its safety and health experience and expertise. For more information on VPP, contact your VPP coordinator in your nearest OSHA regional office. Employers who qualify receive a 1-year exemption from OSHA's general schedule inspections. OSHA's area offices offer information services, such as audiovisual aids, technical advice, and speakers for special engagements. These entities conduct most OSHA enforcement through their own standards, which are at least as effective as Federal OSHA's, but may have different or additional requirements.
Many states offer additional programs of assistance to small businesses.
See also, OSHA's online small business page. Printed copies of OSHA regulations are sold by the Government Printing Office and can be ordered online as indicated above. See also the OSHA Regional Office list elsewhere in this publication. Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or state office for help. States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.