If your company stays ready, they don’t have to get ready. OSHA inspections occur in all workplaces, so it’s best to prepare for visits. If you have asked, “When and why are OSHA inspections conducted?” read our guide for the answer!
When Does OSHA Conduct Inspections?
OSHA can perform random inspections throughout the year, and they happen during an employer’s normal work hours. However, if a workplace accident happens or OSHA suspects imminent danger in the workplace, companies can expect an inspection within 24 hours. This takes priority over typical inspections because imminent danger could lead to employee injuries or fatalities.
Why Does OSHA Conduct Inspections?
An OSHA inspection aims to ensure that companies comply with OSHA regulations and help employers reduce safety hazards and prevent injuries. Inspections also ensure that companies fix any violations from previous visits and follow the best workplace practices. It’s also important to understand that OSHA can perform inspections if they receive employee complaints.
What Triggers an OSHA Inspection?
Outside of the standard (random) inspections, a few things can trigger an OSHA visit. They include imminent danger situations, accidents/fatalities, complaints, and programmed inspections.
- Imminent danger situations: If OSHA has reasonable suspicion that a workplace hazard can lead to death or serious physical harm, a compliance officer will inspect the job site and remove endangered employees.
- Accidents and fatalities: After incidents that involve death or the hospitalization of three or more employees, OSHA will perform an inspection to determine if the mishap was the employer’s fault.
- Complaints: Employees can send a complaint about OSHA hazards or violations they believe are happening in their workplace.
- Programmed: OSHA conducts random inspections in high-hazard industries or individual workplaces with high injury or illness rates.
Tips for Passing an OSHA Inspection
Given that OSHA inspections are random unless triggered by an ordeal, it’s important for employers to always comply with regulations and follow good practices. Here are a few tips for passing an OSHA inspection:
- Assign an employee representative to join the inspection.
- Have your safety records up-to-date and accessible during the inspection.
- Be transparent with the compliance officers and answer their questions without withholding any information.
- Address issues quickly by correcting any citations.
After reading our guide on when and why OSHA inspections are conducted, we hope you better understand their role in workplace safety. If you’re interested in making your workplace safer, you should get an Avetta® certification. And if you need Avetta® compliance help, Industrial Compliance and Safety will assist you! With over 17 years of experience, our expert compliance staff will help your company maintain its Avetta® compliance! Get started by calling us today.
