Safe Workplace and Safety News

This is the safety news blog for the Safe Workplace web site. We cover workplace safety related news with a focus on how safety, or a lack of safety, impacts employers, employees and their families. We also cover topics such as safety training, safety tools, and legal issues related to safety. For regular safety news and information enter your email address in the box above the Subscribe button to the right (then click on the button).

Friday, March 21, 2008

When OSHA Knocks

What should you do when an OSHA inspector shows up at your reception desk? How can you prepare for an OSHA inspector's unannounced visit? The February issue of Occupational Hazards magazine included an article called, "When OSHA Knocks" (click on the link to read the article).

The article is written by attorney Patricia Poole and it offers a legal perspective on preparing for and dealing with a visit from an OSHA inspector. Her opening paragraph states:

"With a plethora of investigative agencies that may show up at your company's door, it is important to understand the purpose of a visit from OSHA. It equally is important for emplloyers to take action during the course of the inspection to place themselves in a favorable legal position."

From a legal perspective, here are some of the things the article says you should do "when OSHA Knocks:"

Restrict admittance until management personnel are on site

Determine the reason for the inspection

Obtain a copy of the complaint

Identify whistleblower protection inspections

Limit the scope of the inspection

Take the same photographs and videos as the OSHA inspector

Remember you have a right to refuse to allow an inspection without a search warrant.

The article covers what to do before allowing an OSHA inspector into your facility. What to do during the inspection walk-around, what you need to do in the closing conference with OSHA, and how to respond if a citation is issued.

Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Inspections