What you can expect during an OSHA inspection

 Arrival of the Compliance Officer (OSHA Inspector)

1.       Request to see credentials

2.       Record his name, identification number, the name of his/her supervisor, and office location

3.       Notify the Safety Coordinator.  If the Safety Coordinator is not available, ask the Officer to wait until the Safety Coordinator arrives.  If he/she cannot wait or the Safety Coordinator will not be available, a Safety Committee member should accompany the Officer.

4.       Do not volunteer any information, only answer questions

Opening Conference

1.       The scope of the inspection will be discussed

2.       The Officer will explain the reason for the inspection (i.e. employee complaint, scheduled inspection, etc.)

3.       If the reason for the inspection is an employee complaint, request a copy of the complaint.

4.       Take comprehensive notes and request to record the meeting and walk-around

The Walk-Around (Inspection)

1.       The Company representative should accompany the Compliance Officer throughout the inspection

2.       The Officer may ask to interview employees.  Employees should cooperate.  The Company representative should attempt to participate in the interview.

3.       The Company representative should be prepared to show the Officer 1) the Safety Manual, 2) Hazard Communication Program, 3) OSHA poster, 4) OSHA 200 Log.

4.       If at all possible immediately correct any violations that the Officer points out.

5.       Take photographs of the same items or areas that are photographed by the Compliance Officer.

6.       Take notes.  Write down every possible violation, standards cited, corrective action needed, and a deadline date.

Closing Conference

1.       The Compliance Officer will review any violations discovered during the inspection.  Compare these to the notes you took during the inspection.  Point out any discrepancies and areas already corrected.

2.       Be polite.  Do not argue or get defensive with the Compliance Officer.

3.       If you are not clear on something, ask questions.

4.       This is a good opportunity to produce records of compliance efforts and other safety practices.

Citations & Penalties

Our goal is to provide a safe and health work environment.  If the company is cited for OSHA violations, corrective action will be completed before the deadline provided by OSHA and as quickly as possible.  It will be management’s decision to appeal any citations.

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