Analyzing the Types of OSHA Inspections

While it’s common knowledge that OSHA can show up to conduct a workplace inspection, it’s important for business owners to be aware of the different types of inspections.

Imminent danger situations in which workers face an immediate risk of death or serious physical harm

Severe injuries and illnesses (i.e. fatalities, inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, etc.)

Worker complaints alleging the existence of hazards or violations (Employees may request anonymity when filing complaints.)

Referrals of hazards from other federal, state, or local agencies, individuals, organizations, or the media

Targeted inspections aimed at specific high-hazard industries or individual workplaces with high rates of injuries and illnesses

Follow-up inspections to confirm that previously cited violations have been corrected

While it's true that inspections can be comprehensive in scope, the majority of inspections are partial, meaning that they are limited to certain potentially hazardous situations. Inspections can also be characterized as:

Unprogrammed: Inspections that occur in response to an imminent danger, complaint, injury, or referral

Programmed: Inspections that have been scheduled based on objective or natural selection criteria

Employers must know whether their operations fall within the scope of any OSHA emphasis program. Please contact me or the Goldberg Segalla OSHA and Worksite Safety team if you have any questions.