OSHA may inspect a workplace at any time. The purpose of these inspections is to maintain safety for all workers. OSHA has established five priorities for workplace inspections.
Which one of the following statements is the correct order of most important OSHA priorities to least important OSHA priorities?
A. Imminent danger, planned inspections in high-hazard industries, employee complaints, catastrophes and fatal accidents, follow-up inspections
B. Imminent danger, catastrophes and fatal accidents, planned inspections in high-hazard industries, employee complaints, and follow-up inspections
C. Imminent danger, catastrophes and fatal accidents, planned inspections in high-hazard industries, follow-up inspections, and employee complaints
D. Imminent danger, catastrophes and fatal accidents, employee complaints, planned inspections in high-hazard industries, follow-up inspections
Answer- D – Imminent danger, catastrophes and fatal accidents, employee complaints, planned inspections in high- hazard industries, follow-up inspections
Explanation: OSHA’s top priority for inspection is an imminent danger-a situation where workers face an immediate risk of death or serious physical harm. Second priority goes to any fatality or catastrophe-an accident that requires hospitalization of three or more workers. Employers are required to report fatalities and catastrophes to OSHA within eight hours.
Third priority is employee complaints and referrals. Lower inspection priorities include inspections targeted toward high hazard industries, planned inspections in other industries and, finally, follow-up inspections to determine whether previously cited violations have been abated.
