OSHA Inspections: Are You Prepared? Dec 10, 2019 By Ed Zalewski, Editorial Manager at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Given that OSHA rarely conducts an inspection that doesn't result in at least one violation cited, employers must be prepared should a compliance officer knock at the door. Read on to learn what steps you can take to ensure ongoing OSHA compliance. Regulatory Compliance An inspector's primary task during an inspection is very simple: to find non-compliance issues. If they don't find any, they won't issue a citation. However, if they do find violations, the officer may choose to expand the scope of the inspection, so it's paramount you proactively identify the requirements that apply to your workplace. It is also important to stay abreast of regulatory changes. Just because you're in compliance now doesn't mean you will always be in compliance — regulations can change quickly and without warning. OSHA has issued several proposed and final rules over the last few years. The most recent final rule of significance was the Walking-Working Surfaces, which includes major fall protection, training, and inspection requirements that affect every general industry employer. Hazard Assessment Conducting routine hazard assessments is an excellent way to find hazards in the workplace before OSHA does. Focus on the Big Four: falls (now required under Subpart I, "Personal Protective Equipment," Section 1910.132), electrocutions, caught in or between, and struck by. OSHA is placing increased focus on these hazards, which are the leading causes of fatalities. In the past, OSHA focused on these hazards only in the construction industry, but now the agency is targeting these four hazards in general industry as well. Safety and Health Program The benefits of developing and implementing a safety and health program are varied and many, but perhaps the greatest benefit is reducing injuries and illnesses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers spend over $170 billion per year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses, all of which comes straight out of company profits. Conversely, workplaces that establish a written injury and illness prevention program can reduce their injury and illness costs by 20-40%. Let's block ads! (Why?)