What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection

Even if you have nothing to hide, an OSHA inspection can be intimidating. The best way to calm your nerves about a potential check is to understand what OSHA inspections entail and how you can prepare for them. In this blog post, we will answer some of your most frequently asked questions:
- What is an OSHA inspection?
- What happens during an OSHA inspection?
- How do I prepare for an OSHA inspection?
Why Does OSHA Perform Inspections?
There are four main reasons OSHA performs inspections.- The Complaint Inspection: The most common reason OSHA inspects a business is because an employee has filed an official complaint with OSHA about the business' safety practices.
- The Fatality & Accidents Inspection: OSHA may inspect a business after a report of workplace injuries or fatalities that affected three or more people. This includes accidents and injuries that don't result in hospitalizations or deaths.
- The Programmed Inspection: These inspections target random businesses that are deemed particularly dangerous or hazardous according to their Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Codes.
- The Imminent Danger Inspection: Thankfully, these OSHA inspections occur the least frequently, as the prompt is reports of imminent dangers.
What to Do Once OSHA Initiates an Inspection?
Once OSHA appears and is ready for the inspection, you have two choices.- Let them in without a problem
- Request that the OSHA inspectors obtain an administrative warrant before you allow them into the building