OSHA Inspection Checklist
OSHA Inspection Checklist
CHECKLIST
16 KEY ITEMS: CONSTRUCTION SAFETY IS AN OSHA PRIORITY
1 5
Out of 4,693 worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2016,
991 or 21.1% were in construction — that is, one in five worker deaths were in
construction.
As a company leader, you may ask “How do you
in
handle the situation when an OSHA Inspector WORKER
arrives and wants to walk our site?” Here are some
DEATHS
WERE IN
key thoughts to take into consideration before, CONSTRUCTION
during and after an OSHA inspection:
1. Verify the person is an OSHA Inspector. Ask to see their official OSHA credentials.
2. Designate one company representative to speak with OSHA.
3. As this is the opening conference, OSHA should allow you time to contact the corporate
safety office. If practical, restrict site admittance until appropriate safety management
personnel are available.
4. Meanwhile, also contact your foremen to make them aware an OSHA Inspector is on-site
and to notify other foremen and subcontractors.
5. Ask if the inspection is a complaint, hazard or programmed inspection:
a. If a Complaint: OSHA must inform you of the specific complaint. Obtain a copy of the
complaint. If so, take them directly to the complaint’s specific area and no other areas.
Pick the route with the least work activity.
b. If OSHA has observed a Hazard: Take them to where they saw the hazard and follow the
same format as if it were a complaint.
c. If a Programmed Inspection: OSHA should allow you time to gather all the foremen or
subcontractor supervisors to participate in the opening conference.
6. Remember an employer has a right to refuse to allow an inspection without a search
warrant. Typically, OSHA can readily obtain a warrant and will have a warrant every time
they return to the site.
7. During the opening conference, only answer questions asked of you. Do not volunteer
information.
8. Never lie to an OSHA inspector. Answer questions honesty and with confidence. However,
be aware OSHA Inspectors may ask leading questions.
Please note: The OSHA Inspector’s written report and any citations may take up to six months
to publish. Six months can pass quickly, but things and personnel change. Compile a written
personal record of everything observed and performed – conversations, comments, corrections
implemented, etc. while still fresh in everyone’s memory. Keep the file handy.
Use this time to review and correct any physical or program issues discussed during the OSHA
inspection. Document (written and/or photos) the issue addressed, the names of persons
performing the correction and date completed.
IMA IMA is ready to help our clients interface with carriers throughout the claims process,
INSIGHT ensuring our clients’ interests are kept front-and-center
References:
http://www.ehstoday.com/safety/ehs_imp_78870
http://www.augustmack.com/Newsletter/2014/February/Article0428.html
https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
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