What you need to know about OSHA inspections.
If you own a business, then you will probably have to undergo an OSHA inspection at some point. While these inspections are not out of the ordinary, they can be very stressful for business owners and employees alike. To ensure that you are ready for your inspection, here’s what you need to expect.
What to Do During an OSHA Inspection
OSHA inspections typically follow the same order, starting with a walkthrough of the facility followed by interviews with managers and employees, closing conferences, and, finally, request for additional information.
Because you cannot always anticipate an OSHA inspection, it’s important to be ready at all times. To ensure that your employees know what to do during a surprise inspection, train them, and designate specific employees to handle the following procedures:
- Greeting the inspector
- Accompanying the inspector as they walk through the workplace
- Facilitating meetings with managers and employees
- Gathering requested documents, such as safety policies, training records, injury reports, workers compensation claim reports, and hazard mitigation records
You should also designate a union representative if your business works with unionized workers. To be on the safe side, make sure you have staff members who can serve as a backup if one of your other involved employees is absent during an inspection.
Another important part of preparing for your OSHA interview is making sure that you have relevant information at the ready. To be prepared, make sure your business does the following:
- Keeps records (especially those required under OSHA guidelines)
- Makes records easily accessible
- Verifies that records are thorough and complete
During your inspection, it’s very important that you treat the OSHA representative well. If you treat the inspector poorly or with indifference, then this can influence their report on your business.
Why It Pays to Be Prepared
The most obvious benefit of being prepared for an OSHA inspection is that it reduces the chances of the inspector finding violations. This, in turn, will save you from the penalties associated with noncompliance. Additionally, when you are ready for an OSHA inspection, this means that you have acceptable safety measures in place. This reduces the chances of employee injuries and other accidents taking place.
This is what you need to know about OSHA inspections. Want another way to make sure that your business is ready for anything? Then secure the right business insurance. For assistance with all your commercial coverage needs, contact the experts at VGW Walker Insurance in Texas today.
