OSHA Inspections and Citations
OSHA may conduct a visit for a number of reasons, generally they are:
- A worker has been seriously injured on the job or has died as a result of a workplace injury.
- A worker has filed a complaint with the local OSHA office.
- A coordinated sweep of a specific geographical area and or a selected industry.
- Program Inspection Programs (High Hazard Unit). Businesses in an Industry with a DART greater than 4.0 and or a EMR of 1.25 or greater.
- Process Safety Management Program (PSM): Business that are in the PSM Program.
With few exceptions, OSHA inspections are unannounced and nearly every inspection results in one or more citations.
OSHA has 6 months after their initial inspection to issue citations.
Fines vary greatly based on a fee schedule system. Fines range from an administration fine up to $ 500.00 dollars for lack of signage or missing documentation to as much as $18,000 dollars for a serious violation of $ 18,000, such as no or improper guarding.
Employers can prepare for an OSHA Inspection by becoming aware of which OSHA requirements apply to their operations, develop written safety programs and procedures, conduct (and document) employee training and train the management staff on how to manage an OSHA Inspection.
Have you been issued an OSHA Citation?
Things you should know!
Employers have 15 days to file the Appeals paperwork or lost the right of appeal!
Employers should appeal ALL citations should be appealed!
Employers don’t need an Attorney to file the Appeals paperwork.
OSHA often issues improper citations or citations that cannot be substantiated…therefore can be won at Hearing.
If you have had an OSHA visit or have received an OSHA citation as a result of an inspection contact us to find out your options and best course of action.
(888) OSHA-PRO (888) 647-2776
Are you compliant or Complacent?
Questions can be sent directly to our OSHA expert Paul Andersen at: paulandersenCHST@aol.com
OSHA Compliance Services, LLC
We provide assistant to employer who have received an OSHA citation, expert witness testimony for Administrative Hearings and both Civil and Criminal Court.
