Inspection Process
A. Workplace Inspection
a. Every establishment covered by the OSH Act is subject to inspection by OSHA compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHO's).
b. With some exceptions, inspections are conducted without advance notice.
B. Inspection Priorities
a. Imminent Danger (any condition where there is a reasonable certainty that a dnager exists that can be expected to cause death or serious phycial harm immediately, or before the danger can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures).
b. Fatalitites and catastrophes resulting in hospitalization of one or more employees
c. Employee Complaints/Referrals
d. Programmed High-Hazard Inspections
C. Inspection Process:
a. Display offical credentials
b. Opening conference
c. Walkaround inspection
d. Closing conference
D. Citations and Penalties
a. After CSHO reports findings, the area direction (in Utah, the UOSH Administrator) determines what citations, if any, will be issued, and what penalties, if any, will be proposed.
b. Citations inform employer and employees of the regulations and standards allegedly violated and of the proposed time for abatement.
c. Citations and notices of proposed penalties are sent by certified mail.
d. Employer must post a copy of each citation at or near place where violation occurred, for 3 days or until violation abated, whichever is longer.
E. Types of Violations
a. Other than serious
b. Serious
c. Willful
d. Repeated
e. Failure to abate