OSHA Inspections - Records
OSHA inspections – What records will the Compliance Officer want to see?
It’s the start of 2021. Are you prepared for when OSHA shows up at the door to inspect your facility? Inspections are usually conducted without advanced notice, so it is important to be prepared before they show up. Compliance officers inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and issue citations where violations of regulations are found. Inspections may be the result of regular inspection scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, or complaints or referrals.
The compliance officer will first ask to see the owner or another person in charge. After you ask for OSHA’s credentials, the opening conference will begin. They will explain the scope of why the are there. If they are there due to a complaint, you can request to see a copy of the complaint.
RECORDS
Next, the compliance officer will likely ask to see specific records. The officer will ask for the following to ensure they are up to date:
· The 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
· The 301 Injury and Illness Incident report
· 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
The records above must be maintained at the worksite for 5 years.
They will also check and see if:
· 300A Summary was posted from February 1st through April 30
· The “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” Poster is displayed in an area that employees have access to.
Click here to get your free poster.
The compliance officer will likely ask to see training records, inspections, audits, safety data sheets, and safety programs like the required Hazard Communication Program or Emergency Action Plan.
Be sure you’re prepared with these records before OSHA shows up!
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE of the Federal OSHA “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” Poster!
Scroll to the bottom to see the answers!
All workers have the right to request a confidential ____ __________ of their workplace if they believe there are unsafe or unhealthy work conditions.
All workers have the right to ___________ in an OSHA inspection and speak in private to the inspector.
All workers have the right to see any ____ _________ issued to their employer.
Employers must provide employees a workplace free from __________ _______.
Employers must notify OSHA within __ hours of a workplace fatality or within __ hours of any work-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.
All workers have the right to request a confidential OSHA inspection of their workplace if you believe there are unsafe or unhealthy work conditions.
All workers have the right to participate in an OSHA inspection and speak in private to the inspector.
All workers have the right to see any OSHA citations issued to their employer.
Employers must provide employees a workplace free from recognized hazards.
Employers must notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace fatality or within 24 hours of any work-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.
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