AKOSH Diversionary Program

Building Safer Workplaces Across Alaska

The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) Diversionary Program is designed to strengthen workplace safety by encouraging employers to take proactive steps toward compliance and hazard abatement. This program supports AKOSH’s mission to eliminate workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through education, training, and collaborative efforts.

By participating, employers can:

• Gain access to expert consultation and training resources
• Reduce workplace hazards and prevent injuries
• Build stronger safety practices that go beyond minimum compliance
• Contribute to a safer, healthier Alaska for all workers

The Diversionary Program isn’t just about reducing penalties. It’s about creating a culture of safety that benefits employees, businesses, and communities statewide. Together, we can make Alaska’s workplaces safer and stronger.

Important Notice:
Participation in the Diversionary Program is not guaranteed . The decision to offer this option rests solely with AKOSH Enforcement and is based on specific criteria and professional judgment. Employers should not assume eligibility simply because the program exists.

Program Overview

The Diversionary Program gives employers the chance to improve workplace safety and address hazards identified during an Enforcement inspection by participating in Consultation and Training (C&T) visits. Through this program, qualifying employers can enhance safety practices, ensure compliance with occupational standards, and even reduce penalty costs—making safety both practical and cost-effective.

This collaborative approach allows AKOSH to promote education and partnership, helping employers build safer workplaces while meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Features of the Program

NOTE: Failure to fulfill these obligations will result in reinstatement of full penalties.

Benefits to the Community

1. Enhanced Workplace Safety: By fostering compliance and encouraging proactive safety measures, the program helps reduce proactively reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.
2. Stronger Employer-Employee Relationships: Collaboration between AKOSH and employers builds trust and promotes a culture of safety, resulting in more informed and engaged employees.
3. Enterprise-Wide Improvements: The program supports comprehensive health and safety evaluations, ensuring that best practices extend beyond initial citations to create safer work environments across the board.
4. Financial Relief for Employers: By reducing penalties, the program eases financial burdens on businesses, allowing them to allocate more resources toward employee safety and training initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does eligibility to participate in the Diversionary Program guarantee penalty reduction?
   No. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance or penalty reduction. Participation is determined at the informal conference and is employer and situation specific, based on many factors. These include corrective actions already taken, willingness to collaborate with C&T and complete enhanced abatement, whether education will significantly improve safety, and whether violations appear to result from lack of knowledge rather than intentional noncompliance. The program is used where it can most effectively advance workplace safety and health.
2. What happens if I do not complete the program requirements?
   Under the terms of the ISA, if program requirements are not completed, the original penalties will be reinstated. This includes failing to contact C&T to schedule a visit, not completing the agreed-upon visit, or failing to correct identified hazards within the required timeframe. Completing all requirements is essential to maintain the benefits of the program and support a safer workplace.
3. How long do I have to complete the C&T visit?
   Employers generally have 90 days to complete the visit. Extensions may be granted if delays occur through no fault of the employer.
4. Are large employers eligible?
   Large employers (more than 250 employees at a location or 500 corporate-wide) are a low priority for AKOSH C&T services. They may participate by hiring an approved third-party consultant at their own expense.
5. Will AKOSH review the details of my C&T visit?
   No. C&T visits remain confidential. AKOSH only requires written confirmation that the visit was completed.

last updated: February 25, 2026