We know OSHA is all about protecting workers and ensuring safety compliance. But what actually happens during an OSHA inspection? What can you expect? How can you prepare?
If OSHA pays you a visit, you can feel a bit more at ease. Why? Because today, we’ll give you a little insight into the process. This article will help you prepare.
What Is an OSHA Inspection?
An OSHA inspection involves health and safety compliance officers visiting your workplace. They’re experts in OSHA requirements. And their entire job focuses on helping employers and their employees. OSHA officers specialize in reducing hazards and preventing illnesses, injuries, and deaths in work environments.
How Often Does OSHA Inspect Workplaces?
So, how often does OSHA check for compliance? There’s no set schedule. It may interest you to know that OSHA oversees over 7 million worksites. There is no way to inspect each one annually. Especially when the agency only employees a couple thousand officers.
If you’re curious about the highest priority for OSHA inspections, here they are:
- Imminent danger situations
- Severe injuries and illnesses
- Worker complaints
- Referrals
- Targeted inspections
- Follow-up inspections
Can OSHA Inspect Without Notice?
When does OSHA inspect? Can you get a surprise OSHA site visit?
They can visit unannounced. And they do. Normally, OSHA conducts its inspections with no advanced notice. It makes sense. Why would an administration focusing on health and safety give you a heads-up? They want you to be safe and healthy all the time. Not just right before and during the inspection.
Note: Employers have the right to require an inspection warrant from OSHA. Be careful how you do this, though. Confrontational attitudes will bring scrutiny for sure. If company policy requires a warrant, kindly explain.
OSHA Inspection Process
Now, for the reason you’re still reading. What does this potentially out-of-the-blue inspection process look like?
What Does OSHA Look for in an Inspection?
OSHA inspection consists of:
1. Preparation
OSHA officers do their research on you. They’re already aware of the potential hazards you’re facing regularly.
2. Presentation of Credentials
The compliance officer will show you their credentials. They’ll have a photo ID and a serial number.
3. Opening Conference
The officer will explain why you were selected for inspection. They’ll talk to you about what’s next, including the walkaround and interviews. The officer is allowed to consult privately with employees. As an employer, you’ll need to select a representative to accompany the inspector. A representative of the employees (union rep) may also join.
4. Walkaround
The inspector and the employee will walk through portions of the workplace. This inspector will examine hazards. They’ll also review records. It’s executed in a way that avoids interrupting your workflow.
The OSHA official can point out violations while touring. But while the violations must go on the OSHA inspection reports, you may adjust right then and there. It shows OSHA that you’re willing to initiate changes and do better.
5. Closing Conference
After the walkaround, the inspector holds a closing meeting with the employer and the representative(s). They discuss findings, courses of action, and possible OSHA violations and fines. They also talk about consultation services and employee rights. A follow-up inspection may be scheduled as well.
What to Do When OSHA Shows Up…
First, check their credentials. If you’re unsure, call OSHA’s office to confirm. Scams have been reported.
The officer will wait, which may afford you about an hour.
You should certainly find your representative(s) first. You’ll want a friendly, calm, knowledgeable employee for this host/hostess job. Designate this person today if you haven’t already!
What Happens When an Employer Receives an OSHA Citation?
If you receive a citation, that will arrive in the mail after the visit. It will detail any violations discovered during the inspection. It’ll also report any monetary fines assessed and what you must do to correct the hazards. Further, you’ll see how long you have to correct them.
You must immediately notify your employees. Post citations for three working days or until all violations have been corrected (whichever is longer). Then you must get to work correcting the hazards by the specified deadline.
Once the hazards are corrected, you must return the Employer Certification of Abatement form that arrived with your citation, along with the notice.
Employers may request extensions and have a right to an appeal. But you must submit your written wishes within 15 working days (from the time of your citation).
Can OSHA Shut Down a Company?
No. Only a court order can do that.
Contact Safety By Design for Professional Safety Compliance Services
If you want peace of mind, contact Safety by Design today. We know the ins and outs of OSHA inspection protocol. Our safety consultant services will put you on a path of compliance and successful inspections in the future. You’ll always be ready with our expertise and dedication to your company’s safety and health.
