A significant number of businesses are likely to find themselves face-to-face with an inspector from OSHA, and many will be caught off guard. We recommend that businesses take a two-pronged approach to OSHA compliance.

First, make every effort to comply with OSHA’s safety and health rules to protect your employees. Second, be prepared in the event OSHA initiates an inspection at your establishment. If you have a plan in place that provides guidance to your managers, describe the procedures employed by OSHA and what to expect during an inspection, you can minimize disruption of your business and possibly adverse consequences.

This is a three-part series to assist employers and familiarize them with OSHA and its procedures. Part One will focus on OSHA’s function, who is subject to OSHA’s requirements and what OSHA looks for during an inspection.

Part Two describes an actual step-by-step inspection and outlines suggested procedures for employers to follow. The third and final part describes what an employer should expect following an inspection and the employers’ rights and obligations.