ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Workplace Safety

What happens during an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection?

The OSHA inspector will meet with the employer and explain the nature of the inspection and review employer documents pertaining to workplace injuries and hazards. Then the inspector will conduct a "walkaround" of the plant, and physically inspect the workplace. The employer and a representative of the employees are allowed to accompany the inspector on the walkaround. The inspector will also talk with employees and ask them questions. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will tell the employer informally of any possible violations that may have been uncovered during the inspection.