What to do when out of the blue you get a call from the front desk telling you that someone from OSHA is at the front door?

 1) If you are not the owner or the highest ranking person in the office at the time...find that person.

2) Take the compliance officer to a conference room and verify his or her credentials.

3) Review the complaint that will be in a written format.

4) Once the complaint has been reviewed collect all the individuals that would be over the area involved.

5) Review the complaint with everyone responsible and take careful notes.

6) If you work an area that protective equipment is required make sure it is used.  Failure to do this will be an automatic fine of up to $7,000.00

7) The compliance officer will video tape and photograph the area(s) of concern.  Make sure you photograph and video tape the same area.  This will make it easier to fix any concerns.

8) If something is cited and can be easily fixed do it on the spot.  Doing this should eliminate any fine however still could be cited.

9)  Do not show the compliance officer any area that is not in the complaint.  Do not volunteer any information because what you say will he held against you.

10) The compliance office will want to interview 6 to 8 people and one (if still employed) will be the complainant.

11) Attend the closing conference and take good notes

12) When the formal citation arrives post it for three days or until all the issues are fixed.

13) The most important area is to make sure your staff knows OSHA requirements and are able to recite them if asked by the compliance officer.  A few areas that are often asked personal protective equipment, blood pathogens, hand protection, eye protection, and first aid.

For any other questions please contact us at www.westernfirstaid.com or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 866-362-2691.