OSHA Inspection
OSHA Inspection
(OP)
I was wondering what your policy is in handling a focused OSHA inspection. Say for example an OSHA inspector comes and states he is there to investigate a given machine due to a complaint. Would you drive him around the outside of the plant to the nearest door to go directly to the machine in question or do you just take him through the plant to the machine?





RE: OSHA Inspection
No, I would not recommend you allow him/her unrestricted access to your plant (open the gate and tell him to "walk around until you get done"), but you should be operating correctly and safely as a matter of routine. Since you indicate the inspector is going to be "investigating a complaint" - he/she is going to arrive suspicious and will be deliberating looking for flaws or errors, and, in particular, for any conditions or safety violations you are trying to hide or minimize.
So, follow your plant's published and EXISTING "escorted visitor" safety policies and PPE and training: Give the slideshow or video, make sure he/she has all the right PPE and the right clothing (fireproof/fire resistant clothing/steel-toed shoes, hardhat, goggles, hearing protection, etc.) and then take him to the machine, take him back to the machine, allow time to answer the questions back in the office, etc.)
RE: OSHA Inspection
Also - you can invite OSHA to come in and inspect and recommend changes to your plant with no penalty. Many companies have done this - because it is fairly quick, easy and much cheaper than fighting fines. And you and your employees know you are doing the best for all involved.
RE: OSHA Inspection
RE: OSHA Inspection
Best answers are "Yes", "No" and "I don't know" THAT IS IT!!!
RE: OSHA Inspection
The fact you think/might have something to hide bothers me.
RE: OSHA Inspection
RE: OSHA Inspection
RE: OSHA Inspection
If you have them voluntary inspect and you CORRECT anything they find - no penalties, no lawsuits, no fines and you can sleep at night.
LOOK INTO IT!!
RE: OSHA Inspection
They have always been fair to me.
The one time I did get gigged it was over paperwork.
Have your posters and accident records up in the lunch room or by the time clock.
Make sure all chemical containers are labeled. We wrap a label on squeeze bottles then cover it with clear packing tape.
Make sure you have all your MSDS sheets. Make sure your employees know about them. Post area specific warning signs in all danger areas. A great site for that is the SIRI MSDS Index.
We use Wisha in Washington State. I have two binders full of regulations in official safety green. Sitting next to my desk is a file cabinet and the top drawer is outlined in official safety green tape.
When the inspector comes in the first thing I do is show him the paperwork. I mention that I even have MSDS sheets for hand soap.
I want the guy to know I have made a real effort to comply.
Tom
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessors.com
Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.
RE: OSHA Inspection
RE: OSHA Inspection
Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)
RE: OSHA Inspection
RE: OSHA Inspection