Question: Can FFSHCs accept and use funds from other agencies?

Answer:

No. FFSHCs do not have independent authority to receive and use funds from other Federal agencies. Only OSHA officials can approve and execute transfers of appropriated funds between Federal departments or agencies. Any such transfers are complex matters governed by laws, including the requirements of the appropriations laws and the Economy Act. FFSHC officers should contact OSHA regional staff if questions arise concerning these matters.

Question: Can FFSHCs accept donations of money, resources, or support from private sector organizations, including Associate Members, or non-Federal employee volunteers?

Answer:

No. Only the Secretary of Labor has the authority to accept gifts for OSHA; OSHA has no independent authority in this regard. For the same reasons, FFSHCs cannot accept support, including free or reduced-cost services or goods, from non-Federal organizations or persons. FFSHCs may not solicit or accept the unpaid volunteer services of students, spouses, children, retirees, community groups, local police or fire personnel, or FFSHC associate members. FFSHCs must not arrange for uncompensated speakers, trainers, experts, or consultants without OSHA’s advance approval.

Question: How do I join a FFSHC?

Answer:

Federal agency heads can appoint an employee to a local FFSHC by submitting a FFSHC Member Designation form to the appropriate FFSHC Chairperson or Federal Agency Program Officer. To apply for an Associate Membership, please submit a FFSHC Associate Member form to the appropriate council contact.

Question: I already participate in a FFSHC; why should my agency officially appoint me to a council?

Answer:

As an officially appointed member, you have the opportunity to serve as an officer on an Executive Committee and you have voting privileges. By appointing you to a FFSHC, your agency demonstrates its commitment to the safety and health of its employees. Your agency's participation in an FFSHC is documented in the annual Secretary of Labor's Report to the President on Federal Department and Agency Occupational Safety and Health Program Activity.

Question: My agency is small with just a few employees; can I still participate in a FFSHC?

Answer:

Yes, you can! Participation is not limited to safety and health professionals, and no agency or organization is too small to participate. Membership may be grated to any federal employee with safety and health responsibilities.

Question: Is my agency's participation mandatory?

Answer:

No. Agency participation is voluntary.

Question: Can my agency receive training from an FFSHC?

Answer:

A federal agency may seek assistance from the FFSHC for various training functions, such as identifying training needs, serving as a clearinghouse for information, suggesting trainers, or providing FFSHC experts to assist in conducting the course. However, the federal agency must handle financial and contractual matters. If the FFSHC safety and health experts who assist in conducting the training are federal employees, they must not receive additional compensation. If the sponsoring agency decides that it is lawful and appropriate to collect fees to defray the direct and indirect costs of training (room and audiovisual rental, copying course materials, instructor fees), the agency cannot identify training as FFSHC or OSHA training.

Question: I am not a safety and health professional; can I still participate in a FFSHC?

Answer:

Yes, you can! Participation is not limited to safety and health professionals, and no agency or organization is too small to participate. Associate membership may be granted to non-federal employees with a demonstrated interest in occupational safety and health.

Question: When do the FFSHCs meet?

Answer:

FFSHCs determine the dates and locations of their meeting prior to the start of the calendar year. To get meeting dates, please contact the chairperson of the council near you.

Question: There are no FFSHCs in my area; can I still participate in a FFSHC?

Answer:

If there are no FFSHCs in your area, please contact the Federal Agency Program Officer in your region to discuss if a new council should be chartered. The Secretary of Labor may establish a FFSHC in any area where 10 or more federal establishments totaling 300 or more employees are located within an area having a radius of 50 miles, and when those agencies agree that a council would be useful.