Audits & Inspections

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to conduct workplace inspections to determine whether employers are complying with standards issued by the Agency for safe and healthful workplaces.

An audit is a systematic, objective tool to assess regulatory compliance in the workplace. An audit usually involves a survey of the workplace to:

1. Identify what regulations apply to a company or facility.
2. Determine whether environmental and workplace safety requirements, and corporate policies and procedures regarding compliance are being followed.
3. Assess management systems currently in place to ensure compliance. An audit may also look at and evaluate the methods used to achieve compliance.

The short answer is “as often as they are needed.” The frequency of hazard assessments will depend on a variety of factors. In an office environment, inspections may not be needed frequently. However, in factory settings, inspections may need to be conducted regularly. The employer must determine how “regularly” to conduct inspections based on its evaluation of potential risks. In addition, hazard assessments are likely needed when new equipment or processes are introduced.

Technically, yes, the regulation at 29 CFR 1903.3 says that compliance officers “are authorized to enter without delay” in order to conduct inspections. An employer does have the right to require that the inspector obtain a warrant, but the inspector will be able to obtain one (because the regulation clearly authorizes the inspection). Although demanding a warrant is an employer’s right, the request may create the impression that the employer has something to hide, and the inspection may not go as smoothly once the compliance officer returns with the warrant.