What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection

Each year, OSHA conducts thousands of inspections, which result in millions of dollars in fines. Before OSHA has reason to come on your jobsite, you may consider asking: 

• What happens when an OSHA inspector arrives on your jobsite?
• Is your workplace prepared for an inspection?
• Do you have a plan in place, and are your employees trained on the inspection process?

 

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The following checklist will help you develop your inspection plan, so you can avoid penalties and fines if an OSHA inspector arrives at your facility.

Exits. An inspector will look to see if they are well marked, and the exit signs are properly positioned over the doors. They will also see if the exits are blocked, such as something in front of the exit door, or if the hallway leading up to the exit is blocked. This doesn’t have to be a major obstruction – even a house plant in the way of an exit can result in a possible violation.

Doors. Inspectors will look to see if doorways are blocked, such as unmarked custodial closets, andcould be mistaken as an exit. These doors will also need proper signage, indicating that it is “Not an exit."

Carpets. If a carpet hasn’t been maintained and has wrinkles and crinkles from years of use, OSHA may cite you for trip hazards.

Electrical outlets. OSHA can cite you for wall outlet covers that have been broken and removed, or floor outlet covers that are broken, missing or have been removed.

Fire suppression. OSHA will look to see if your sprinkler tests are current, and if nothing in your office or warehouse is stacked within 18 inches of a sprinkler head or if any items are hanging from the sprinkler pipes.

Fire extinguishers. OSHA will look at your fire extinguishers for the inspection tag and sticker with a signature and dates, indicating the extinguisher has been inspected by an authorized party.

Extension cords. Many offices use daisy chained wiring, with multiple extension cords plugged into each other. OSHA will look for cords that go through doorways or windows, as well as those that being used as a replacement for permanent wiring. These are all things that can lead to an OSHA citation and fines.

Storage near electrical panels. Electrical panels, which are often located in a backroom or electrical room, may be blocked by or used to store mops, booms, buckets or chemicals. OSHA inspectors will look to see if the electrical room or area is clear of debris. It must have adequate clearance around the front, so the box can be accessed easily.

Proper labeling. While we are on the subject of electrical panels, every circuit must be labeled to meet OSHA standards. This means all the lights, appliances, HVAC and outlets in the building must be properly labeled on the panel, in case the power needs to be turned off.

Holes in electrical panels. Inspectors will look for openings in partitions or screens where people may come into contact with live parts or conducting objects. 

Railings. OSHA inspectors will look for any areas with open-sided floors where a platform is 4 feet or taller. These areas must have railings or chain guards to prevent people from falling off. Areas like loading docks need to be properly closed and sealed off, and there needs to be railings or appropriate weight-bearing chains across any openings.

Cluttered storage areas. Anytime an inspector sees clutter, they see this as a sign of poor housekeeping, which creates additional hazards in the workplace. Improperly stacked or unorganized items, debris or junk accumulations are considered hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls. They also can be a place for pests to live, such as roaches, bugs, mice, rats or snakes.

Aisles and walkways. If your facility has a warehouse, OSHA will look at the aisles and make sure that those are well marked and defined so that objects from shelves are not hanging over them and sticking out to where a forklift could hit or run over the items.  

 

If you are not prepared for an OSHA visit ahead of time, there's a possibility that you will end up with citations, so you must have plan for an OSHA inspection.

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Katie Parrish is the editorial director at SkillPath. As a former magazine editor, her focus is on timely events that impact today's business world. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.