• Target Selection. ...
• Opening Conference. ...
• Walk-Through. ...
• Closing Conference. ...
• Issuance of Citation with Penalties (if applicable) ...
• Contest ("Appeal")

What happens during an OSHA investigation?

Inspection Results

If there are violations of OSHA standards or serious hazards discovered during the inspection, OSHA may issue citations and fines. A citation will describe the OSHA requirements allegedly violated, list any proposed penalties, and will give a deadline for correcting the alleged hazards.

What does OSHA inspectors look for?

An OSHA inspection will place an emphasis on OSHA's posting and recordkeeping requirements. The compliance officer will want to see the records of deaths, injuries, and illnesses that you are required to keep.

What triggers an OSHA inspection?

OSHA regulations require that employers report a workplace fatality or reportable serious injury (hospitalization, amputation, loss of eye) to the Agency within certain short time frames. A fatality must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours which will always trigger an inspection.

What may the compliance officer do during the inspection walk around?

During the walk-around inspection, the compliance officer will observe conditions, point out any hazards that are observed, and discuss possible correction methods for the hazards. The compliance officer may make video recordings and take photographs and various instrument readings during the inspection.

What does Cal OSHA look for during an inspection?

The inspector will begin by explaining the reason for and scope of the inspection to the employer, and will then request required documentation and records– permits, registrations, proof of workers' compensation coverage, required posters, training records, employee exposure records, required plans – Injury and Illness ...

What happens if you fail an OSHA inspection?

Most citations come with a fix-it deadline before the fine is collected, but serious citations may involve immediate fines as high as $7,000 per citation. For minor violations, you may only get a notice with no fine attached.

Can OSHA just show up unannounced?

OSHA inspections are generally unannounced. In fact, except in four exceptional circumstances when advance notice may be given, it is a criminal offense for any person to give unauthorized advance notice of an OSHA inspection.

Do employers determine which workers are interviewed during an OSHA inspection?

During an OSHA inspection:

You may not describe safety and health concerns you have to the inspector. c. Employers determine which workers are interviewed.

Can OSHA shut you down?

In reality, OSHA doesn't shut down job sites. Only a court order can, and that's an extreme situation, says Simplified Safety. If there's an immediate risk on-site, the inspector can ask that you halt operation until the situation is resolved. But even then, it's your choice whether or not to comply.

Are OSHA inspections random?

OSHA does conduct a certain number of random inspections, but most inspections are triggered based on one of the six situations or conditions listed below.

When Should OSHA be notified?

All employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. An in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss must be reported within 24 hours.

How long does it take OSHA to investigate?

Cal/OSHA sends an inquiry to the employer. Depending on how serious the complaint, the employer has between three and 14 days to either demonstrate the hazardous conditions were corrected or do not exist. Employers must post the inquiry letter and their response in a public place at work.

What procedures would you follow if an OSHA inspector shows up at your facility for inspection?

If an OSHA inspector shows up at your door, you should consider the following: 1) Restrict admittance until management personnel are on site. Never allow the opening conference or the inspection process to commence until the appropriate pre-established management persons are present.

How do I pass an OSHA inspection?

What happens if you call OSHA?

If you file a complaint, OSHA will contact you to determine whether to conduct an investigation. You must respond to OSHA's follow-up contact or your complaint will be dismissed. A whistleblower complaint filed with OSHA cannot be filed anonymously.

What PPE does OSHA require employers to pay for?

With few exceptions, OSHA requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment when it is used to comply with OSHA standards. These typically include: hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, safety glasses, welding helmets and goggles, face shields, chemical protective equipment and fall protection equipment.

Do employees have to answer OSHA questions?

The compliance officer has the right to interview the employee in private, if the employee consents, and has a right to have truthful responses to their questions. Every employer: ... Must allow the employee to be interviewed by OSHA if the employee consents.

What are three responsibilities employers have under OSHA standards?

Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act. Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards. Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment.

Can OSHA speak with employees?

The OSHA Act gives employees the right to speak privately with OSHA. For that reason, employer representatives are generally not entitled to be present for non-supervisory interviews.

Can OSHA take pictures?

The Compliance Safety and Health Officers of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been given authority by 29 CFR 1903.7(b) "to take or obtain photographs related to the purpose of the investigation".