AUGUST 2018 • FOGHORN 13 FOGHORNFOCUS: SAFETY • Identify someone in your organization to be the point person in the event an OSHA inspection is ever required. Ideally, the selected person should be knowledge- able about the safety protocols within the operation, including shoreside facilities. This person should escort the OSHA inspector throughout the facility as directed. It’s prudent to have an additional person with safety practice knowledge in the event the point person is not available for an OSHA inspection. • Choose a meeting place in advance for opening and closing commentary between the OSHA inspector and your company rep- resentative. • Ask the OSHA inspector to show ID before allowing him/her access to your facility. The ID should include the inspector’s name, photo, and office (note: OSHA inspectors do not carry badges). • Ask the OSHA compliance officer to define the specifics of the visit and reason for the inspection. Complaints should be in writing and the organization should be allowed to review the documents. • Employers’ rights should be fully explained, including how to contest any violations or penalties. • The scope of the inspection should be clearly communicated, including specifics of any spaces, machinery, or procedures that may be inspected or questioned. • The inspector will likely ask about the operation, include: - Type of work performed - Number of employees - Names of those in charge - Contact information • There is no set length of time for inspection. • Employers are expected to produce records or logs of incidents in a timely manner when requested. • Company representatives are encouraged to be professional and courteous to in- spectors. • Company representatives can respectfully ask an OSHA inspector to postpone the inspection if current conditions warrant a delay. However, the inspector may deny the postponement, or do a short walk around the facility to assess the situation before making a decision whether to grant a delay. • Employers are within their rights to deny access to OSHA for an inspection. Doing so, however, could lead to the compliance officer seeking a warrant or subpoena granting access to the facility and records. Source: National Safety Council Safety + Health, 2015 PREPARING FOR AN OSHA INSPECTION What prompts an OSHA inspection? Many different circumstances can prompt an OSHA inspection, ranging from a workplace death to mere chance. The following are some of the reasons why OSHA may inspect your facility: • Catastrophes and fatalities • Employee complaints • Referrals, which can come from any entity, including another government agency • Programmed inspections, in which worksites are randomly selected, or based on emphasis programs, injury rates or previous citations • Follow-up inspections Source: OSHA