Tips for PESH & OSHA Inspections
By: Todd Goodman
When a PESH (Public Employee Safety & Health) or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) inspector arrives, there are several steps you should take. The inspection includes an opening conference, a “walkaround” of all or part of the workplace, and a closing conference. This may take a few hours or several weeks, depending on the number of hazards, workplace size, and other factors.
1. Greet and Identify: Welcome the inspector and ask for their official identification and credentials to verify their authenticity. Call the issuing authority to confirm and make copies of their identification.
2. Notify Management: Alert relevant members of your management team about the inspector’s presence and provide them with the inspector’s details.
3. Accompany the Inspector: Designate a company representative to accompany the inspector throughout the inspection. This person should be knowledgeable about the workplace’s safety protocol.
4. Cooperate: Cooperate fully with the inspector, answering their questions truthfully and providing requested documents and records related to safety and health procedures.
5. Document: Keep a record of the inspector’s observations, questions asked, and areas they inspect. This documentation can be useful for addressing any issues that arise. If the inspector takes a picture the designated company employee should take the same picture.
6. Address Immediate Hazards: If the inspector identifies any immediate safety hazards, take prompt action to address them. This could involve stopping certain activities or implementing temporary measures.
7. Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about the purpose of the inspection or the specific areas the inspector is focusing on, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
8. Respect Rights: Both you and the inspector have rights during the inspection. Be sure to respect the inspector’s rights and ask for your rights if necessary.
9. Limit Scope: While being cooperative, it’s also within your rights to ensure the inspection remains within the scope defined by the inspection warrant or reason for the visit.
10. Follow Up: After the inspection, review the inspector’s findings and recommendations. Address any violations or deficiencies promptly and take steps to prevent similar issues in the future.
11. Documentation: Document the actions you’ve taken to address any identified issues. This documentation will be important if there are follow-up visits or if you need to contest any citations.
Remember, maintaining a culture of safety in your workplace is crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also for the well-being of your employees.
Contact Us
Connect with one of our experts to learn more about how we can help with your business’s needs.
For more information, please contact Risk Management Consultant Todd Goodman at [email protected].