Safety: The Fundamentals of On-Site OSHA Inspections

Summary

This video script discusses the basics of OSHA inspections, emphasizing the agency's priorities in responding to imminent dangers, severe injuries, worker complaints, referrals, targeted inspections, and follow-ups. It outlines the process an inspector follows, including presenting credentials, conducting a walk-around with the employer's representative, and reviewing safety programs and logs. The script also covers the inspector's role in identifying violations and the employer's rights, such as requesting a warrant or an informal conference. It concludes with advice on how to handle OSHA inspections and the importance of addressing hazards promptly.

Takeaways

• 🔍 OSHA inspections are crucial for the safety of nearly seven million companies under its governance.
• ⚠️ OSHA prioritizes inspections based on imminent danger, severe injuries, worker complaints, referrals, targeted inspections, and follow-ups.
• 📞 Employers must report all work-related fatalities within eight hours and serious injuries within 24 hours.
• 🗣️ Worker complaints are a common way OSHA learns about potential hazards or violations at a workplace.
• 👮‍♂️ OSHA inspectors should present credentials with a photo and serial number upon arrival.
• 🏢 Employers have the right to request a warrant before allowing OSHA inspectors access to their private business.
• 🕒 Employers can ask the inspector to wait in a conference room to prepare for the inspection.
• 👥 During inspections, employers should select a representative to accompany the compliance officer and document the process.
• 📋 Compliance officers will review written safety programs and OSHA 300 logs during the inspection.
• 🔧 OSHA may issue citations and penalties for violations found during the inspection, which are categorized as willful, serious, etc.
• ⏰ Employers have 15 working days to decide on their stance regarding citations and can request an informal conference with OSHA.

Q & A

What is OSHA's first priority when responding to workplace hazards?

OSHA's first priority is to respond to imminent danger situations, which are hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm, such as fall protection violations visible from the road or a jobsite.

What are employers required to report to OSHA in the event of an injury?

Employers must report all work-related fatalities within eight hours, and all work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours.

How do worker complaints factor into OSHA inspections?

Worker complaints are a common way OSHA gains access to a site, as employees can report hazards or violations that lead to an inspection.

What types of referrals can lead to an OSHA inspection?

Referrals from other federal, state, or local agencies, individuals, organizations, and even media sources can prompt an OSHA inspection.

What are targeted inspections and how are they determined?

Targeted inspections focus on high-hazard industries or workplaces with high rates of injuries and illnesses. These inspections are part of emphasis programs aimed at reducing risks in these environments.

What should an employer expect when an OSHA inspector arrives on site?

An OSHA inspector will present their credentials, including a picture and serial number. Employers have the right to request the inspector obtain a warrant, although this may delay the inspection temporarily.

Can an employer delay the OSHA inspector's access to the worksite?

Yes, employers can ask the inspector to wait in a conference room for about an hour until a company representative is available, or to address immediate hazards before the inspection begins.

What happens during the opening conference of an OSHA inspection?

During the opening conference, the compliance officer explains the reason for the inspection, the scope, walk-around procedures, and employee representation, and allows the employer to select a representative to accompany them.

What is the purpose of the closing conference after an OSHA inspection?

The closing conference is held to discuss the inspector’s findings, possible actions the employer can take, and to provide information on consultation services and employee rights.

How long does OSHA have to issue citations after finding violations during an inspection?

OSHA has up to six months from the date of the violation to issue citations and propose penalties.