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OSHA Inspections

Editor's Note: Understand the OSHA inspection process.

Melissa BoyceOverview: OSHA performs workplace safety inspections in order to ensure employer compliance.

When OSHA does inspect a workplace, it will show up unannounced, except under limited circumstances. The employer has the right to request that the agency get a warrant, to see the inspectors' credentials and to be told the reason for the inspection.

An OSHA inspection will consist of an opening conference, a walk-around and then a closing conference. The employer and the employees each have the right to have a representative present during the inspection. Citations will not be issued that day, but during the closing conference, the OSHA inspector might mention some of the areas of concern where citations will likely be issued later.

Author: Melissa Gonzalez Boyce, JD, Legal Editor

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HR Guidance on handling OSHA inspections.

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