Section 350.140  Voluntary Compliance Program

a)         Advisory Inspection.  Any employer covered by this Part may request an advisory inspection by the Department.  The request shall include a statement signed by the employer or his representative that any violations discovered during the course of the requested inspection will be abated if the Department finds that the violations constitute conditions or practices that are likely to result in death or serious physical harm to the employees in the workplace.  In making this determination, the Department will consider factors such as the location of the hazard, the proximity of the employees to the hazard, and the availability of alternatives to continued exposure to the hazard.

1)         The Department shall conduct an advisory inspection based on the employer's request, unless it finds that an employee complaint has been filed, that inspection officers are unavailable to conduct the inspection, or that a regular inspection will be, or has been, conducted that would make an advisory inspection duplicative.

2)         No citations shall be issued as a result of an advisory inspection. The employer shall be fully informed of any violations uncovered by the inspection and whether any citations would have been issued.

b)         Training and Education Programs.  The Division will provide professional training programs and educational seminars upon request from any public employer, at no cost.

c)         Priority.  Advisory inspections will be scheduled and conducted at the inspector's and employer's convenience, along with other programmed inspections.

d)         Public Information Programs.  The Division will make staff available to present professional programs for seminars and meetings.  The Division will also present public information programs on behalf of the Department on an as needed basis.

e)         Program Evaluations.  Any written programs required by the standards can be submitted for professional review.  A report will be provided outlining any changes or corrections.

f)          Ongoing Support.  The staff of the Department's Public Safety Education Division will be available during normal office hours to answer questions and provide consultation on an as-needed basis.