What Are Five Key Triggers for an OSHA Inspection?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. There are several key triggers that can lead to an OSHA inspection. While there are many reasons for an inspection, here are five key triggers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducts inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. There are several key triggers that can lead to an OSHA inspection. While there are many reasons for an inspection, here are five key triggers:

Complaints: OSHA often initiates inspections in response to complaints from employees or their representatives regarding safety and health concerns in the workplace. These complaints can be made anonymously, and OSHA takes them seriously.

Imminent Danger: If OSHA receives information suggesting that a situation in a workplace poses an imminent danger to employees, it will respond quickly to investigate and address the situation.

Fatality or Catastrophe: OSHA typically conducts inspections when a workplace experiences a fatality, in-patient hospitalization, or an incident that involves the death of three or more employees. The aim is to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Referrals: OSHA may be referred to a workplace by another agency or organization, such as a local fire department, state or local health agency, or other federal agencies, if they believe there are safety or health violations.

Targeted Inspections: OSHA conducts programmed or targeted inspections in specific industries or workplaces where a higher risk of safety or health violations is identified. This may be based on injury and illness rates, high-hazard industries, or other criteria.

It’s important for employers to be proactive in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace to reduce the risk of OSHA inspections and ensure the well-being of their employees. Additionally, OSHA inspections can also be part of regular, planned visits or follow-ups to ensure ongoing compliance.