Inspection Frequency

[MSR]

I'm new to all this. Is there actually an expected frequency to OSHA inspections? Do they have a timeline for inspecting, say that I can expect a visit once ever x years? Or doesn't it work like that?

[Iowa_Jim]

A person can expect an OSHA visit under several circumstances:

Fatal accident
Accident resulting in multiple hospitalizations
Very high accident rate- target list
Target industry
Random inspection assignment

A person would know if the first four situations apply to them. The final situation- random inspection- is a bit like winning the lottery and the odds are dependant on your state activity level, currently lower than ever due to OSHA's strategic targeting plans.

Having said that, I must add that the real threat to an employer comes from their insurer and their rates rather than OSHA. Although OSHA compliance for any given establishment involves some non-value added exercises, a quality safety program that begins with compliance is the first step towards reducing WC rates.

Jim