[VIDEO] Overview of the OSHA Inspection Process

You and your company may be fearful of an unexpected OSHA inspection, but it’s important to know the procedures just in case one happens.  The US Department of Labor has recently released a video of the general steps of an OSHA investigation.

While there are debates about whether or not to make an OSHA investigator get a warrant to inspect your site or mapping out the most direct path to take the inspector to the part of the site they want to see, there are steps that every Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) takes during the inspection process.

• Presentation of CSHO credentials

• Opening Conference – explains why OSHA is inspecting the site, the scope of the inspection, worker representation, and the need for worker interviews.

• Walkaround – includes private interviews with workers for the company.  Some good advice that I’ve received in safety training and other conferences throughout my career is to always take a picture of everything that the CSHO takes a picture of during the walkaround. It’s also a good idea to have someone with you that can fix hazards while the CSHO is still on-site, as this will demonstrate of “good faith effort” on your part.

• Closing Conference – time to discuss the findings of the investigation and timelines

Following the inspection, the CSHO will submit their findings to the area director, who will be the one to determine whether or not the company will receive a fine for any citations that were given. Any citations or penalties must be issued within six months after the occurrence of the violation.

Employers also have the right to appeal any citation or penalty and can set up an informal conference with the OSHA Area Director to discuss further.

Check out the video below for more information! What are some tips that you can share from an OSHA inspection that you’ve experienced in the past?