OSHA inspectors do their homework before they show up at your site for an inspection. This includes researching the inspection history of your worksite, reviewing the operations and processes you use and the standards most likely to apply in your workplace.
What does OSHA require employers to do to identify hazards?
To identify and assess hazards, employers and workers: Collect and review information about the hazards present or likely to be present in the workplace. Conduct initial and periodic workplace inspections of the workplace to identify new or recurring hazards.
What should you do if you feel OSHA should inspect your workplace?
File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.
What are OSHA’s top inspection priorities?
Top priority in OSHA’s system for conducting inspections is responding to reports of imminent danger situations. Second priority is given to investigation of fatalities and catastrophes resulting in hospitalization of [three] or more employees.
How can you identify a workplace hazard?
Hazards can be identified through one or more of the following activities:
- routine hazard and housekeeping inspections and audit activities.
- study of information provided by manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and substances.
- investigation of incidents and accidents.
What is the fourth highest OSHA inspection priority?
Programmed Inspections are the fourth priority. These inspections cover industries and employers with high injury and illness rates, specific hazards, or other exposures. There may also be special emphasis programs in just one OSHA region or certain area offices, based on knowledge of local industry hazards.
How would you identify hazard in your workplace?
Incident records and investigations, near misses, health monitoring and inspection results will all help identify hazards. If someone has been injured, then a hazard exists which could also hurt someone else. Hazards usually arise from: The physical work environment.
