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OSHA Visit Checklist

Workplace safety standards are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The organization conducts regular inspections of workplaces. Employers wishing to avoid hassles and costly infractions of the law will want to be prepared for the visit. Knowing which items are on an OSHA-visit checklist will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your company's OSHA inspection.

  1. Preparedness

    • Some of the points on an OSHA visit involve your company's preparedness for an emergency. OSHA requires that companies have a written hazard-communication plan that details how to deal with general workplace hazards as well as safety problems dealing with each specific workplace. Your company must have a person who is responsible for the company's overall health and safety program. OSHA will look for a safety committee that meets regularly, comprises both labor and management and compiles written reports on workplace safety. Finally, federal law requires that you have procedures in place for handling employee grievances regarding health and safety.

    Personal Safety Equipment

    • OSHA requires that employees have personal safety equipment that is appropriate for their job. Wherever there is a likely hazard, OSHA will want to see that appropriate safety equipment is available. This includes safety gloves, respirators, hard hats and approved OSHA goggles. If there is a danger of chemical burns, eye washes and chemical showers must be available. OSHA also requires appropriate places to dispose of contaminated safety material.

    Asbestos

    • OSHA has special requirements regarding working with or around asbestos. It requires that you identify and inform employees of the quantity and location of all asbestos in the workplace. Signs and labels should be affixed anywhere there is the danger of coming into contact with asbestos.

    Tools

    • OSHA has regulations regarding the safe use of both hand and power tools. OSHA rules require that all hand tools be properly maintained. This includes regularly replacing handles and warped wrenches, keeping cutting tools sharp, and storing tools in dry places. Power tools such as saws and grinders must be equipped with safety guards. OSHA further requires that guards be placed over the pulleys, chains and sprockets of all machines and power tools.

    Electricity

    • OSHA requires that portable electrical tools be either grounded or double-insulated. Extension cords must be equipped with a grounding conductor. Any equipment with exposed or frayed cords must be repaired or replaced immediately.

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