OSHA audits can happen at any time, sometimes with little or no advance warning. Because you never know for sure when an inspector will show up at your place of business, it’s imperative to be ready at all times.

1) Know what to expect

First things first: If an inspector does arrive at your place of business, ask them to show you their credentials. If they are unable to do so, or if you have any concerns at all, don’t hesitate to call the area OSHA director for confirmation.

Once the inspector arrives, it’s okay to put them in a waiting room or conference room for just a few minutes while you alert managers and other leaders, informing them that an audit is taking place.

Most OSHA inspectors will begin with a quick huddle or conference, during which they should alert you to the reason for their presence. This can be helpful in letting you know whether it’s a random inspection, or a response to some specific complaint or incident.

When talking with your inspector, always be professional and polite, but don’t over-share or volunteer more information than is requested.

2) Know your rights

Be advised of certain rights you have as a business owner; with any questions, don’t hesitate to consult your attorney. A few specific rights to note:

• You have a right to keep all employee interviews private, as opposed to having interviews conducted in front of the entire team.
• You have the right to keep the inspection during a reasonable timeframe (that is, during your normal operating hours). You should not have to stay late, or ask employees to stay late, to accommodate the inspector.
• Your inspector should keep trade secrets as such, handling photos and documents with discretion.

3) Assign a point person

Someone at your company should be responsible for meeting with the inspector and guiding them through your facility. This might be the business owner, a safety officer, or someone else. Just make sure it’s someone who knows where all relevant company policies and documents are kept. 

Additionally, it might be wise to select a backup person, just in case the normal point person is out sick when the inspector comes knocking.

4) Be diligent in training

One of the best ways to prepare for surprise inspections is to make sure employees are regularly trained on how to assess, mitigate and respond to hazards at the job site. Also be sure that there is evidence of your training throughout the workplace, specifically that up-to-date OSHA signage prominently displayed. Finally, be careful to keep good records of your training, and have them readily available when the inspector shows up.

5) Perform audits of your own

One last way to be ready for inspections is to hold inspections of your own. Perform routine audits of your workplace and all equipment. Interview employees about safety protocols. Double check your signage. Be vigilant, ensuring you find and address any issues before the inspector comes calling.