What happens if the Health Inspector finds things wrong in your workplace?

When the health inspector finds things wrong in the workplace, the inspector may issue a citation or warning, depending on the severity of the violations. The inspector may order the employer to take immediate action to correct the violations, and may impose a fine or other penalty. The employer may have the right to appeal the citation or warning.

Here's a general sequence of events that can happen after a health inspector finds violations in a workplace:

1. Inspection: The health inspector visits the workplace and conducts an inspection to assess compliance with health and safety regulations. The inspector examines various aspects of the workplace, such as food handling practices, sanitation, safety measures, and employee training.

2. Findings and Violations: If the inspector finds violations of the regulations, they document the issues and create a report. The report outlines the specific violations and may include photographs or other evidence to support the findings.

3. Issuance of Citation: Based on the findings, the inspector may issue a citation or warning to the employer. A citation is a legal document that formally states the violations and informs the employer of their legal obligations to correct them.

4. Timeframe for Correction: The citation usually specifies a timeframe within which the employer must correct the violations. This timeframe may vary depending on the severity of the violations and the regulations in the specific jurisdiction.

5. Corrective Action Plan: The employer must develop and implement a corrective action plan to address the violations identified in the citation. This plan outlines the specific steps that the employer will take to correct the issues, including timelines and responsibilities.

6. Follow-up Inspection: In some cases, the health inspector may conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that the employer has corrected the violations as outlined in the corrective action plan.

7. Penalties and Fines: Failure to correct the violations within the specified timeframe or persistent non-compliance may result in penalties, fines, or other enforcement actions by the health department. These penalties can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violations.

It's important for employers to take any citations or warnings from health inspectors seriously and promptly take steps to address the identified violations to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers. Ignoring or failing to correct violations can lead to legal consequences and potential damage to the reputation of the business.