
2019
An OSHA inspector arrives at your door, unannounced, and wants to conduct an inspection of your workplace. What do you do? The key to surviving an OSHA inspection is to have a process in place that assures that your organization is prepared for all of the foreseen and unforeseen things that can unfold.
Your first step in preparing for OSHA is to designate a company contact to accompany the OSHA inspector throughout their visit at your facility. The point of contact should be someone who can readily answer the inspector’s questions about the company’s safety programs, training records, and operations. Make sure everyone in the company knows who should be contacted when an OSHA inspector arrives, especially the receptionist or front desk personnel.
Another important step is to create a culture of safety. Managers should regularly communicate to employees about workplace safety and reinforce positive behaviors. Conduct regular inspections of your facilities and make sure you are in compliance with applicable regulations. Observe your employees and make sure they are following safe work practices. Empower workers to speak up if they see an unsafe practice or safety hazard so a correction can be made. Address any issues right away to employees see that their safety is of the utmost importance to the company. Ensure you are maintaining proper recordkeeping and have proper documentation readily available. This includes injury/illness logs, training records and safety programs.
Inspectors will be looking for violations of OSHA standards. Exactly what kinds of violations depend on the nature of your operations and the particular hazards of your workplace. Inspections can cover pretty much your whole facility, or they can be limited to certain areas, operations, conditions, or practices. But remember, a limited inspection can always be expanded, depending on what inspectors find once they get inside.
Here are some of the dos and don’ts to help manage an inspection.
Do
Don’t
Click here for our “Helpful Hits for Finding Your Way Through an OSHA Inspection.”