What do I need to pass an OSHA inspection?
The only thing that an employer needs to pass an OSHA inspection is a safe workplace for his employees.
Other than meeting all current and relevant OSHA safety standards for the work environment, there is no other way to prepare for an inspection. As every inspection is tailored to each industry and workplace, employers must do their best to comply with standards, to train employees, and to implement safety solutions for hazard abatement.
Ensuring that a workplace has proper safety equipment, like hard hats or fall prevention systems, safety signs to remind and alert staff to hazards and policies, and training programs are generally best practices for a majority of industries.
During an OSHA inspection, the inspector, employee representatives, and the employer can walk through the workplace looking for potential hazards and other potential violations. The inspector will try to minimize his impact on the current operations, but if a situation of imminent danger is spotted – one where serious harm or death could occur – the employer will be asked to immediately correct the hazard or to remove all endangered employees.
To prepare your business for an OSHA inspection, include employees in creation of safety policies, and regularly train them on the avoidance of safety hazards and proper safety procedures. Supplementing this training with accident prevention signage can help reinforce safety messages and ensure that compliance standards are met.
Certain industries will require special considerations. Construction companies, for example, could need to provide specific pieces of personal protective equipment or safety signs with specific messages to employees to comply with OSHA standards.
What happens during an OSHA inspection?
During an OSHA, inspectors will review previous records, inspect potential on-site hazards, and interview employees. OSHA’s inspections are prioritized by how potentially hazardous a workplace might be to workers. Learn more here.
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