Frequently Asked Questions

What geographic area do you serve?

We are not limited by geographic area. Although we are located in the greater Chicago area, we can travel to your location to help you with your safety challenges.

There are many consulting firms like yours. Why hire COMPASS?

1. We listen, to understand your issues, and respond thoughtfully, putting your needs first.
2. We are certified in Industrial Hygiene (CIH), Occupational Safety (CSP), and Health and Safety Auditing (CPEA).
3. We have over 30 years of experience meeting high standards of satisfaction in a wide variety of industries.
4. We explain complex concepts in easy-to-understand language.
5. We are unbiased and independent, with no hidden agendas or vested interest in selling other products.
6. We uphold the highest ethical standards of practice for our profession, so we provide answers you can trust.
7. Our rates are reasonable, particularly when compared to many larger firms.
8. We work hard to exceed your expectations.

How can we obtain references about COMPASS?

Contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a list.

How much does it cost for your services?

Our prices depend on the situation and demands of each project. The payment structure between you and COMPASS can be a fixed-price contract, fixed-price plus expenses, daily rate, time and materials, cost reimbursement, or retainer fee.

I don’t need all the services you offer. Will you work with us if we only have a small project?

Yes. We can scale our project to fit your unique needs. Your project may be less than a day in length, or it could be a long-term business arrangement for regularly performed services.

Does COMPASS sell safety equipment or software?

No. We are an independent consulting company dedicated to helping our clients find solutions to their occupational safety and health challenges. We are more than willing to help you identify the safety products your business needs, but we have no business arrangements with any of them.

Do you give speeches or presentations?

Yes. We can deliver presentations tailored to your audience, business, or group. Contact us with details on your organization and needs.

What types of insurance do you carry?

We carry comprehensive general and auto liability, workers’ compensation, and professional liability. Contact us for more information.

Can I link to your web site?

Absolutely. That is the power and beauty of the web.

What does your logo symbolize?

Our logo features a compass, a universal symbol of direction and guidance. The compass always points north (northern hemisphere), faithfully giving direction to travelers, even when there are no other landmarks to guide them. Just as a compass helps us define our physical journeys, COMPASS Health and Safety provides direction to help businesses solve their health and safety challenges.

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What is a PEL and TLV?

A PEL or TLV is the maximum amount of a chemical in air to which a person can be repeatedly exposed without causing health effects. PELs are regulatory limits enforced by OSHA. TLVs are guidelines established by non-governmental industrial hygienists. Both are based on scientific information and industrial experience, and are widely used around the world for the control of potential workplace health hazards.

We use chemicals at our workplace. How can I determine if exposures are below safe limits?

The best way to know for sure is to seek the advice of a professional industrial hygienist (IH). IHs are trained to identify, evaluate, and reduce health hazards in the workplace. For more information, see our article, How To Identify Workplace Health Hazards or read more about our Industrial Hygiene services.

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What is ergonomics?

Generally speaking, it is an approach to reducing the number and severity of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs). It involves the assessing work activities to determine the level of risk, and then designing equipment, work tasks, and work environments to conform to the capability of the worker. The goal is to create a more efficient workplace with less risk of injury to employees.

What is a musculo-skeletal disorder (MSD)?

MSDs are disorders involving the muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal disks. Examples include: tendonitis, epicondylitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, low back pain, and lumbar strains. These disorders may be caused or contributed to by stressful work activities and conditions that involve certain risk factors. Each stressful situation results in “micro-traumas” to a specific region of the body, such as a muscle or tendon. Without adequate recovery, the accumulation of micro-traumas can eventually result in pain, discomfort, numbness, reduced strength, and/or reduced dexterity.

Learn about the ergonomics services COMPASS provides.

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What is a hazard assessment?

A hazard assessment is a systematic means of identifying workplace hazards so they can be eliminated before accidents occur. The greater the number of hazards that are identified, the less likely that an accident will occur when a system fails.

There are many types of hazard assessments ranging from reviewing accident investigation records for trends or patterns, to conducting routine inspections and comprehensive surveys, or performing job safety analyses.

What is a JSA?

A job safety analysis (JSA) is one of the most common types of hazard assessments. Some types of hazard analyses can be pretty sophisticated. On the other hand, JSAs are easy to perform, and are best done by employees who actually do the job.

In a JSA, the job is broken down into distinct steps, hazards are identified for each step, and then controls are specified to prevent the hazard from causing an injury. JSAs are usually documented in a 3-column format, and can be used for training new workers on this job.

Read more about the occupational safety services COMPASS provides.

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What is the difference between an audit and an inspection?

Both are types of hazard assessments. However, an inspection is usually more limited in scope. Typically, it means a workplace visual inspection to identify physical hazards. An audit is a more in-depth review of an entire program or process to determine its overall effectiveness in reducing the risk of future injuries. An audit usually includes document reviews, interviews with personnel, and visual inspections.

What is a safety plan?

Safety plans are written documents that specify the goals, completion dates, and responsible parties for various safety-related activities in the organization. Having a safety plan is visible evidence of management commitment to the program, and helps focus priorities on activities that will lead to lower injury rates and reduced hazards. It is best if the safety plan is developed on an annual basis, and integrated into the operating plan for the business.

Safety is driven from the top. Learn about the management consulting services  COMPASS provides.

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What is VPP?

In 1982, OSHA created the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) to recognize and partner with worksites that have:

• Achieved injury rates below their industry’s national average
• Implemented effective safety and health management systems

This is a not an enforcement program. It is a voluntary, cooperative, proactive partnership of management, labor, and government. OSHA recognizes these sites by awarding them VPP status, publishing their names on its web site, removing the site from its inspection lists, and not issuing citations for regulatory violations that are corrected promptly.

How do I apply for VPP?

Applicants should start by completing an internal assessment to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. If met, the site completes a written application and submits it to OSHA. If the application is accepted by OSHA, the agency conducts an onsite review to verify that the management systems meet the VPP requirements. A successful applicant can be accepted into the VPP program at one of three levels depending on how many of requirements are met.

COMPASS can help you with your VPP program. Learn more about our VPP services.

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What is OSHA-required compliance training?

Many OSHA regulations have requirements for employees to receive initial and periodic refresher training. The content, frequency, and triggers for conducting training vary for each regulation.

Can you train our facility personnel how to implement an OSHA-required safety program?

Absolutely, we develop and deliver customized workshops or seminars on many health and safety topics, not just OSHA-required programs. Contact us to discuss your needs or read more about our training services.

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