Workplace safety is not something that businesses can afford to cut corners on, and that isn’t a figure of speech. A single penalty from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can cost your company anywhere between $16,131 and $161,323. The federal organization even hosts a website where you can see every case with initial penalties of $40,000 and higher, and the list of companies affected across all 50 states is extensive.
Understanding what causes an OSHA inspection is crucial to helping your company avoid devastating financial setbacks. This blog marks the first in a three-part series on OSHA inspections. In this segment, we’ll explore the common events and conditions that can prompt an inspection and why being informed is the first step toward maintaining compliance.
Why OSHA Conducts Inspections
In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970 was enacted to ensure employers provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees. Their purpose is to enforce standards and prevent recognized hazards in the workplace. Normally, OSHA demonstrates this by conducting random inspections in the search for violations. However, that’s not always the case. Many of these inspections can be triggered by specific events, conditions, or reports. By understanding these triggers, employers can identify potential risks and act before an inspector arrives.
Key Triggers For OSHA Inspections
- Imminent danger situations
Workplace hazards that pose an immediate risk of death or severe physical harm are a top priority for OSHA. Examples include unguarded machinery, chemical spills, or significant fall risks. If OSHA suspects imminent danger, either through tips or observations, an inspection may occur within 24 hours.
- Severe injuries or fatalities
Under OSHA regulations, employers must report workplace fatalities within eight hours and severe injuries (hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss) within 24 hours. These reports often trigger inspections to determine the root cause and assess compliance with safety standards.
- Employee complaints
Employees can file anonymous complaints if they believe their workplace has serious safety violations. OSHA gives significant weight to these complaints, especially if they detail hazards that could result in severe injury or death.
- Referrals
Referrals often originate from other government agencies, law enforcement, or even media reports. For example, Straus Feeds LLC was investigated after OSHA received reports of unsafe working conditions. After the inspection, the company was cited for 24 violations, leading to penalties totaling $161,332.
- Programmed inspections
Certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and health care, are deemed high-risk by OSHA. These sectors often face programmed inspections due to their higher injury and illness rates.
- Follow-up inspections
If your company was cited during a prior inspection, OSHA may conduct a follow-up to ensure that violations have been corrected. Failure to address citations can result in heightened scrutiny and increased penalties.
Staying Ahead Of OSHA Inspections
OSHA averages over 32,000 inspections a year and your business could be one of them. While OSHA inspections can’t always be avoided, understanding what causes them gives organizations the opportunity to proactively address risks. Here are some strategies and a real-world example of how a company successfully avoided penalties from a last-minute OSHA intervention.
Partnering With GMS
Navigating OSHA compliance and inspections doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Group Management Services (GMS) offers tailored solutions to help your business stay compliant, reduce risks, and cultivate a safe culture. Whether it’s safety training, recordkeeping, or audits, our experts are here to help you safeguard your workplace and stay prepared for any OSHA visit.
Contact GMS today to learn how we can help your organization succeed in workplace safety and compliance. Stay tuned for the next part of the series where we’ll explore actionable steps you can take to prepare for an OSHA inspection.