As a business owner or employee, you’ve probably heard about the required OSHA inspections and wondered what you need to do to pass one. Maybe you’ve wondered how the OSHA guidelines would apply to your business specifically, and what you should do to meet them. An OSHA inspector helps to uphold good practices of safety and health in businesses, helping employers and employees alike to avoid accidents, injuries, and death. Here are a few helpful tips that will assist you in knowing how to prepare your business to undergo your OSHA inspections successfully.
Have Your Documents in Order
First off, it is extremely important that you have your documents in order once you know that you have an upcoming OSHA inspection. Of course, this is easier to do if you’ve been keeping careful records of your documents since you started your business. There are a few different types of documents that you may need when meeting with an OSHA inspector. For example, you will need the official company illness and injury logs, any written complaints about work hazards or violations of OSHA safety and health standards so that the OSHA inspector can determine if there are serious violations occurring in your workplace.
Follow the Right Standards
One way to minimize any issues that your OSHA inspector may find upon visiting your business is to follow the right OSHA standards, ideally since you’ve started your company. It is extremely important that you make sure that you stay up to date on the OSHA standards. These standards are prone to updates and changes, as work conditions and the world’s environment is constantly changing. For example, OSHA pipe marking standards refer to an outdated set of ANSI standards, which technically should be good enough, though following the most recent standards is likely to be better. You can resolve problems and protect your employees by staying up to date on the OSHA standards and making sure that they are applied in your workplace.
Know What to Expect
Obviously, you’ll feel most prepared for your OSHA inspection if you know what to expect when your inspector arrives. An OSHA inspection is generally made up of three different parts. It usually begins with an opening meeting where the inspector will show their credentials and listen to your safety or health concerns. Next, the inspector will perform a walk-through, where they examine your workplace and processes, searching for any health or safety violations. Personal interviews with employees may also be performed during this time, as discussions may reveal any possible risks or concerns.
As you’re anticipating your OSHA inspection, remember that your inspector is trying to help your company by promoting health and safety for employees and all involved persons. If there are any issues that need to be resolved, it will be for the benefit of your company. Remember to prepare your company by following the steps that have been described in this article, and you’ll have the best chance of passing the inspection.
