6 Tips to Surviving an OSHA Inspection

At least five different federal agencies can stop at your business at any time to verify you are taking the proper steps and following the many federal laws to provide a safe and protected workplace. While the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Homeland Security can all drop by for a visit, the most likely visitor is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.

Most inspections are not random inspections, but are the result of a reported injury or accident, a higher-than-average accident or illness rate for your business, or a complaint from a current or former employee.

Companies can deal with possible OSHA Inspections by following these six steps:

1. Put in place a robust safety plan in order to minimize injuries and accidents. The best way to avoid OSHA inspections is to minimize reasons for OSHA to even want to inspect your business.
2. Designate a manager to deal with the inspector in the event of an OSHA inspection. This person could be the safety or human resources manager, but the person should be familiar with OSHA, company policies and operations. The inspector should not be allowed to conduct the inspection until after meeting with the designated manager.
3. During the meeting with the OSHA inspector, the reason for the inspection should be identified and the inspection should be limited to the scope of the complaint. Companies should never voluntarily agree to a complete a “wall-to-wall” inspection.
4. Employees can speak to the OSHA inspector, but inform them that they have no obligation to speak with the inspector.
5. Companies should not make any admissions to the OSHA inspector at the initial meeting.
6. Companies should document the entire inspection with photos, video tapes and recordings, especially if the inspector is documenting the inspection, in order to document their side of the inspection.

Companies have many rights and are protected by law from one-sided OSHA inspections. Western Growers Insurance Services has an experienced safety team and can assist you with preparing for possible OSHA inspections. If you’d like help with your safety program or related insurance needs, please contact us.