OSHA INSPECTION
Periodically a representative from OSHA will make a visit to our jobsite. The following is information on preparation and procedures before and during the inspection.
- Preparation for Inspection
- In past years, OSHA has used the 300 Form as the basis for the inspection. In other words, if the statistics were favorable, only a minor investigation was performed. Unfortunately, the emphasis of OSHA has changed to reflect increased “fault-finding” and heavy fines. The following preparation should be utilized.
- Safety Director
- Must be notified before an OSHA inspector is allowed to enter a jobsite.
- OSHA 300 Form
- Make certain the OSHA 300 Form is properly posted and up to date.
- Workers Compensation First Report of Injury Form
- Make certain all workers compensation first report forms are properly maintained.
- Employee Records
- Verify that training certificates, etc., are kept with employee files. Any employee discipline notes should be maintained as evidence that rules are enforced.
- Accident Investigation
- If a serious accident occurs, we should have written reports of the investigation and steps taken to make sure that it would not happen again.
- Safety Manual
- Make sure that the manual is on the jobsite and that all employees are familiar with our program.
- OSHA Inspection
- Obtain the inspector’s name from his/her credentials and record it.
- Note every request or statement made by the inspector such as “Inspector requested to review OSHA forms,” “Inspector asked to talk privately with Joe Smith,” “Inspector commented about area without a guardrail,” etc.
- Note any equipment used by the inspector and where it was used. Be specific – “Inspector took a picture of a ladder on the north wall” or “Inspector plugged in a circuit tester in an electrical outlet in the first-floor hallway.”
- Be cooperative, but limit information to only what is requested by the inspector. Remember, anything you say could be used against you in a hearing.
- Complete our OSHA Inspection report in detail. Start taking notes when the inspector arrives and end only when the inspection is completed.