OSHA Inspections

U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 2098

2000 (Reprinted)
This informational booklet is

intended to provide a generic,

non-exhaustive overview of a

particular standards-related topic.

This publication does not itself

alter or determine compliance

responsibilities, which are set

forth in OSHA standards themselves and the Occupational

Safety and Health Act. Moreover,

because interpretations and

enforcement policy may change

over time, for additional guidance

on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader should consult

current and administrative interpretations and decisions by

the Occupational Safety and

Health Review Commission

and the Courts.

Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and

may be reproduced, fully or

partially, without permission

of the Federal Government.

Source credit is requested but

not required.

This information will be made

available to sensory impaired

individuals upon request.

Voice phone: (202) 219-8615;

Tbelecommunications Device for

the Deaf (TDD) message referral

phone: (800)328-2577
OSHA Inspections

U.S. Department of Labor

Alexis M. Herman, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 2098

2000 (Reprinted)
Contents

Contents iii

Background ............................................................................ 1

Inspection Priorities .............................................................. 3

Imminent Danger .......................................................... 3

Catastrophes and Fatal Accidents ................................. 3

Complaints and Referrals ............................................. 3

Programmed Inspections .............................................. 4

Followup Inspections .................................................... 4

Preparing for the Inspection .................................................. 5

Inspector’s Credentials ................................................. 5

Opening Conference ..................................................... 5

The Inspection Process ......................................................... 7

Closing Conference ...................................................... 8

Inspection Results ............................................................... 10

Citations ...................................................................... 10

Penalties ...................................................................... 10

Appeals Process .................................................................. 13

Appeals by Employees ............................................... 13

Appeals by Employers ................................................ 13

Petition for Modification of Abatement...................... 14

Notice of Contest ........................................................ 14

Review Procedure ....................................................... 15

Appeals in State Plan States ....................................... 15

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance ..................................... 16

Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. 16

State Programs ............................................................ 16

Free Onsite Consultation ............................................ 17

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) ........................ 17

Training and Education............................................... 18

Electronic Information................................................ 18

Emergencies................................................................ 19

OSHA Related Publications ................................................. 20

States with Approved Plans................................................. 22

OSHA Consultation Project Directory .................................. 25

OSHA Area Offices ............................................................... 27
Background

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. OSHA also enforces Section 5(a)(1)

of the Act, known as the “General Duty Clause,” which requires that

every working man and woman must be provided with a safe and

healthful workplace.

Workplace inspections are performed by OSHA compliance safety

and health officers who are knowledgeable and experienced in the

occupational safety and health field and who are trained in OSHA

standards and in the recognition of safety and health hazards. Similarly, states with their own occupational safety and health programs

conduct inspection using qualified state compliance safety and health

officers.

States administering their own occupational safety and health

program through plans approved under section 18(b) of the Act must

adopt standards and enforce requirements which are at least as

effective as federal requirements. There are currently 25 state plan

states: 23 covering private and public (state and local government)

sectors and 2 covering the public sector only. Plan states must adopt

standards comparable to the federal within 6 months of a federal

standard’s promulgation. Although most states adopt standards

identical to the federal and have similar inspection procedures—

including citations and penalties, employer and employee rights and

responsibilities—the state plan agency should be contacted directly

to determine if there are any different or additional state occupational

safety and health requirements.

Inspections are usually conducted without advance notice. In fact,

alerting an employer without proper authorization in advance of an

OSHA inspection can bring a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a 6-month

jail term. This is true for federal OSHA compliance officers as well

as state inspectors.

There are, however, special circumstances under which OSHA

may give notice to the employer, but such a notice will normally be

less than 24 hours. These circumstances include the following:

• Imminent danger situations that require correction as soon as

possible;

Background 1
OSHA Inspections

• Inspections that must take place after regular business hours

or that require special preparation;

• Cases where notice is required to ensure that the employer

and employee representative or other personnel will be

present;

• Cases where an inspection must be delayed for more than

5 working days when there is good cause;

• Situations in which the OSHA area director determines that

advance notice would produce a more thorough or effective

inspection.

Employers who receive advance notice of an inspection must

inform their employees’ representative or arrange for OSHA

to do so.

If an employer refuses to admit an OSHA compliance officer or if

an employer attempts to interfere with the inspection, the Act permits

appropriate legal action, such as obtaining a warrant to inspect.

Based on a 1978 Supreme Court ruling, Marshall v. Barlow’s Inc.,

OSHA usually may not conduct warrantless inspections without

valid consent. The agency, however, may inspect after acquiring a

judicially authorized search warrant based on administrative probable

cause or upon evidence of a violation.

Inspection Priorities

2
Not all 6.2 million workplaces covered by the Act can be inspected immediately. The worst situations need attention first.

OSHA, therefore, has established a system of inspection priorities.

Imminent Danger

Imminent danger situations are given top priority. An imminent

danger is any condition where there is reasonable certainty that a

danger exists that can be expected to cause death or serious physical

harm immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through

normal enforcement procedures.

If an imminent danger situation is found, the compliance officer

will ask the employer to voluntarily abate the hazard and to remove

endangered employees from exposure.

Should the employer fail to do this, OSHA, through the regional

solicitor, may apply to the Federal District Court for an injunction

prohibiting further work as long as unsafe conditions exist.

Catastrophes and Fatal Accidents

Second priority is given to investigation of fatalities and accidents

resulting in hospitalization of three or more employees.

Such catastrophes must be reported to OSHA by the employer

within 8 hours. OSHA investigates to determine the cause of such

accidents and whether existing OSHA standards were violated.

Complaints and Referrals

Third priority is given to formal employee complaints of alleged

violations or standards or of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions and to referrals from other government authorities about

specific workplace hazards.

The Act gives each employee the right to request an OSHA

inspection when the employee believes he or she is in imminent

danger from a hazard or when he or she thinks that there is a violaInspection Priorities 3

Inspection Priorities
OSHA Inspections

tion of an OSHA standard that threatens physical harm. OSHA will

maintain confidentiality if requested, will inform the employee of

any action it takes regarding complaints, and, if requested, will hold

an informal review of any decision not to inspect.

Programmed Inspections

Next in priority are programmed inspections aimed at specific

high-hazard industries, workplaces, occupations, or health substances, or other industries identified in OSHA’s current inspection

procedures. Industries are selected for inspection on the basis of

factors such as the injury incidence rates, previous citation history,

employee exposure to toxic substances, or random selection. Special

emphasis programs also may be developed and may be regional or

national in scope, depending on the distribution of the workplaces

involved. Comprehensive safety inspections in manufacturing will

be conducted normally in those establishments with lost-workday

injury rates at or above the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) national rate for manufacturing currently in use by OSHA. States with

their own occupational safety and health programs may use somewhat different systems to identify industries for inspection.

Followup Inspections

A followup inspection determines if previously cited violations

have been corrected. If an employer has failed to abate a violation,

the compliance officer informs the employer that he or she is subject

to “Failure to Abate” alleged violations and proposed additional daily

penalties while such failure to abate or violation continues.

4
A compliance officer represents the agency and is expected to

demonstrate his or her knowledge and expertise in the safety and

health field in a courteous and professional manner. Prior to the

inspection, the compliance officer will become familiar with as many

relevant facts as possible about the workplace, such as the inspection

history of the establishment, the nature of the business, and the

particular standards that might apply. This preparation provides the

compliance officer with a knowledge of the potential hazards and

industrial processes that may be encountered and aids in selecting

appropriate personal protective equipment for use against these

hazards during the inspection.

Inspector’s Credentials

When the OSHA compliance officer arrives at the establishment,

he or she displays official credentials and asks to meet an appropriate

employer representative. Employers should always ask to see the

compliance officer’s credentials.

OSHA federal or state compliance officer credentials can be

verified by calling the nearest federal or state OSHA office. Compliance officers may not collect a penalty at the time of inspection or

promote the sale of a product or service at any time; anyone who

attempts to do so is impersonating a government inspector and the

FBI or local law enforcement officials should be contacted

immediately.

Opening Conference

In the opening conference, the compliance officer explains how

the establishment was selected and what the likely scope of the

inspection will be. The compliance officer also will ascertain

whether an OSHA-funded consultation visit is in progress or whether

the facility is pursuing or has received an inspection exemption

through the consultation program; if so, the inspection may be

terminated.

Preparing for the Inspection 5

Preparing for the Inspection
OSHA Inspections

The compliance officer explains the purpose of the visit, the scope

of the inspection, and the standards that apply. The employer will be

given information on how to obtain a copy of applicable safety and

health standards as well as a copy of any employee complaint that

may be involved (with the employee’s name deleted, if the employee

has requested anonymity.)

The employer is asked to select an employer representative to

accompany the compliance officer during the inspection.

An authorized employee representative also is given the opportunity to attend the opening conference and to accompany the compliance officer during the inspection. If the employees are represented

by a recognized bargaining agent, the agent ordinarily will designate

the employee representative to accompany the compliance officer.

Similarly, if there is a plant safety committee, the employee members

of that committee will designate the employee representative (in the

absence of a recognized bargaining agent). Where neither employee

group exists, the employee representative may be selected by the

employees themselves, or the compliance officer may determine if

any employee suitably represents the interest of other employees.

Under no circumstances may the employer select the employee

representative for the walkaround.

The Act does not require that there be an employee representative

for each inspection. Where there is no authorized employee representative, however, the compliance officer must consult with

a reasonable number of employees concerning safety and health

matters in the workplace.

6
After the opening conference, the compliance officer and accompanying representatives proceed through the establishment to inspect

work areas for safety and health hazards.

The compliance officer determines the route and duration of the

inspection. While talking with employees, the compliance officer

makes every effort to minimize any work interruptions. The compliance officer observes safety and health conditions and practices;

consults with employees privately, if necessary; takes photos and

instrument readings; examines records, collects air samples, measures noise levels, and surveys existing engineering controls; and

monitors employee exposure to toxic fumes, gases, and dusts.

An inspection tour may cover part or all of an establishment, even

if the inspection resulted from a specific complaint, fatality, or

catastrophe.

Trade secrets observed by the compliance officer will be kept

confidential. An inspector who releases confidential information

without authorization is subject to a $1,000 fine and/or 1 year in

jail. The employer may require that the employee representative

have confidential clearance for any area in question.

Employees are consulted during the inspection tour. The compliance officer may stop and question workers, in private, about safety

and health conditions and practices in their workplaces. Each

employee is protected under the Act from discrimination by the

employer for exercising his or her safety and health rights.

OSHA places special importance on posting and recordkeeping

requirements. The compliance officer will inspect records of deaths,

injuries, and illnesses that the employer is required to keep. He or

she will check to see that a copy of the totals from the last page of

OSHA Form No. 200 have been posted and that the OSHA workplace poster (OSHA 2203), which explains employees’ safety and

health rights, is prominently displayed. Where records of employee

exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents have been

required, they also are examined for compliance with the

recordkeeping requirements.

The compliance officer also explains the requirements of the

Hazard Communication Standard. Under that rule, employers must

establish a written, comprehensive communication program that

The Inspection Process 7

The Inspection Process
OSHA Inspections

includes provisions for container labeling, material safety data

sheets, and an employee training program. The program must

contain a list of the hazardous chemicals in each work area and

the means the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards

of non-routine tasks.

During the course of the inspection, the compliance officer will

point out to the employer any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions observed. At the same time, the compliance officer will

discuss possible corrective action if the employer so desires.

Some apparent violations detected by the compliance officer can

be corrected immediately. When they are corrected on the spot, the

compliance officer records such corrections to help in judging the

employer’s good faith in compliance. Although corrected, the

apparent violations may still serve as the basis for a citation and,

if appropriate, a notice of proposed penalty. The penalties for some

types of violations may be reduced if they are corrected immediately.

Closing Conference

At the conclusion of the inspection, the compliance officer

conducts a closing conference with the employer and the employee

representative. It is a time for free discussion of problems and

needs; a time for frank questions and answers.

The compliance officer also will give the employer a copy of

Employer Rights and Responsibilities Following an OSHA Inspection

(OSHA 3000) and will discuss briefly the information in the booklet

and answer any questions.

The compliance officer discusses with the employer all unsafe or

unhealthful conditions observed during the inspection and indicates all

apparent violations for which a citation and a proposed penalty may

be issued or recommended. The compliance officer will not indicate

any specific proposed penalties; however, the employer is informed of

appeal rights.

During the closing conference, the employer may wish to produce

records to show compliance efforts and to provide information that

can help OSHA determine how much time may be needed to abate

an alleged violation.

8
When appropriate, more than one closing conference may be held.

This is usually necessary when health hazards are being evaluated

or when laboratory reports are required.

The compliance officer explains that OSHA area offices are full

service resource centers that inform the public of OSHA activities

and programs, such as new or revised standards, including the status

of proposed standards, comment periods, or public hearings; provide

technical experts and materials, including courses offered at the

OSHA Training Institute; refer callers to other agencies and professional organizations as appropriate; and promote effective safety and

health programs through voluntary protection programs and expanded employer abatement assistance efforts.

If an employee representative does not participate in either the

opening or the closing conference held with the employer, a separate

discussion is held with the employee representative, if requested, to

discuss matters of direct interest to employees.

9

The Inspection Process
OSHA Inspections

After the compliance officer reports findings, the area director

determines whether citations will be issued and whether penalties

will be proposed.

Citations

Citations inform the employer and employees of the regulations

and standards alleged to have been violated and of the proposed

length of time set for their abatement. The employer will receive

citations and notices of proposed penalties by certified mail. The

employer must post a copy of each citation at or near the place a

violation occurred, for 3 days or until the violation is abated, whichever is longer.

Penalties

These are the types of violations that may be cited and the penalties that may be proposed:1

• Other-Than-Serious Violation—A violation that has a direct

relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause

death or serious physical harm. A penalty from $0 to $7,000 for each

violation may be assessed. A penalty for an other-than-serious

violation may be adjusted downward by as much as 95 percent,

depending on the employer’s good faith (demonstrated efforts to

comply with the Act), history of previous violations, and size of

business.2

10 Inspection Results

1 For more detailed information, see U.S. Department of Labor Program

Highlights, Fact Sheet No. OSHA 91-36, “New OSHA Civil Penalties Policy,”

which is available from the Department of Labor’s Office of Information, 200

Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-8151.

2 For a more detailed description of adjustment factors, see U.S. Department of

Labor Program Highlights, Fact Sheet No. OSHA 91-36 and OSHA’s voluntary

“Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines.” (Federal Register, Vol. 54,

No. 16, January 26, 1989, Pp. 3904-3916.)
• Serious Violation—A violation where there is a substantial

probability that death or serious physical harm could result. The

penalty for a serious violation is assessed from $1,500 to a maximum

of $7,000 depending on the gravity of the violation. A penalty for a

serious violation may be adjusted downward based on the employer’s

good faith, history of previous violations, and size of business.

• Willful Violation—A violation that the employer intentionally and knowingly commits. The employer is aware that a hazardous condition exists, knows that the condition violates a standar or

other obligation of the Act, and makes no reasonable effort to eliminate it. Penalties of up to $70,000 may be proposed for each willful

violation. The minimum willful penalty is $5,000.

An employer who is convicted in a criminal proceeding

of a willful violation of a standard that has resulted in the death

of an employee may be fined up to $250,000 (or $500,000 if the

employer is a corporation) or imprisoned up to 6 months, or both.

A second conviction doubles the possible term of imprisonment.3

• Repeated Violation—A violation of any standard, regulation,

rule, or order where, upon reinspection, a substantially similar

violation is found and the original citation has become a final order.

violations can bring a fine or up to $70,000 for each such violation.

To calculate repeated violations, the initial penalty is adjusted for the

size and then multiplied by a factor of 2, 5, or 10 depending on the

size of the employer.

• Failure-to-Abate—Failure to correct a prior violation may

bring a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each day that the violation

continues beyond the prescribed abatement date.

11

Inspection Results

3 For more information, see United States Code Annotated, Title 18, Crimes and

Criminal Proccedures 3331 to 4120, West Publishing Company, St. Paul, MN,

1991, Pp.53-54.
OSHA Inspections

12

Additional violations for which citations and proposed penalties

may be issued are as follows:

• Falsifying records, reports, or applications can, upon conviction, bring a criminal fine of $10,000 or up to 6 months in

jail, or both.

• Violations of posting requirements bring a civil penalty

of $7,000.

• Assaulting a compliance officer, or otherwise resisting,

opposing, intimidating, or interfering with a compliance

officer in the performance of his or her duties is a criminal

offense and is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000

and imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Citations and penalty procedures may differ somewhat in states

with their own occupational safety and health programs.
Appeals by Employees

If an employee complaint initiates an inspection, the employee or

authorized employee representative may request an informal review

of any decision not to issue a citation.

Employees may not contest citations, amendments to citations,

proposed penalties, or lack of penalties. They may, however, contest

the time allowed for abatement of a hazardous condition. They also

may contest an employer’s “Petition for Modification of Abatement,”

which requests an extension of the proposed abatement period.

Employees must contest the petition within 10 working days of its

posting or within 10 working days after an authorized employee

representative has received a copy.

Employees may request an informal conference with OSHA to

discuss any issues raised by an inspection, citation, notice of proposed penalty, or employer’s notice of intention to contest.

Appeals by Employers

Within 15 working days of the employer’s receipt of a citation, the

employer who wishes to contest must submit a written objection to

OSHA. The OSHA area director forwards the objection to the

Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC),

which operates independently of OSHA.

When issued a citation and notice of proposed penalty, an employer may request an informal meeting with OSHA’s area director

to discuss the case. OSHA encourages employers to have such

informal conferences with the area director if the employer has issues

arising from the inspection that he or she wishes to discuss or

provide additional information. The area director is authorized to

enter into settlement agreements that revise citations and penalties to

avoid prolonged legal disputes and that result in speedier hazard

abatement (alleged violations contested before OSHRC do not need

to be corrected until the contest is ruled upon by OSHRC).

Appeals Process 13

Appeals Process
OSHA Inspections

Petition for Modification of Abatement

Upon receiving a citation, the employer must correct the cited

hazard by the abatement date unless he or she contests the citation

or abatement date. Factors beyond the employer’s control, however,

may prevent the completion of corrections by that date. In such a

situation, the employer who has made a good faith effort to comply

may file a petition to modify the abatement date.

The written petition must specify the steps taken to achieve

compliance, the additional time needed to comply, the reasons

additional time is needed, and interim steps being taken to safeguard

employees against the cited hazard during the intervening period.

The employer must certify that a copy of the petition was posted in

a conspicuous place at or near each place where a violation occurred

and that the employee representative received a copy of the

petition.

Notice of Contest

If the employer decides to contest either the citation, the abatement period, or the proposed penalty, he or she has 15 working days

from the time the citation and proposed penalty are received

to notify the OSHA area director in writing. Failure to do so will

result in the citation and proposed penalty becoming a final order

of the OSHRC without further appeal. An orally expressed disagreement will not suffice. This written notification is called a “Notice

of Contest.”

Although there is no specific format for the “Notice of Contest,”

it must clearly identify the employer’s basis for filing—the citation,

notice of proposed penalty, abatement period, or notification of

failure to correct violations.

A copy of the “Notice of Contest” must be given to the employees’ authorized representative. If any affected employees are not

represented by a recognized bargaining agent, a copy of the notice

must be posted in a prominent location in the workplace or given

personally to each unrepresented employee.

14
Review Procedure

If the written “Notice of Contest” has been filed within the

required 15 working days, the OSHA area director forwards the case

to OSHRC. The commission is an independent agency not associated with OSHA or the Department of Labor. The commission

assigns the case to an administrative law judge.

A hearing may be scheduled for a public place near the employer’s

workplace. The employer and the employee have the right to

participate in the hearing; the OSHRC does not require that they be

represented by attorneys.

Once the administrative law judge has ruled, any party to the case

may request a further review by OSHRC. Any of the three OSHRC

commissioners also may, at his or her own motion, bring a case

before the commission for review. Commission rulings may be

appealed to the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.

Appeals in State Plan States

States with their own occupational safety and health programs

have a state system for review and appeal of citations, penalties,

and abatement periods. The procedures are generally similar

to Federal OSHA’s, but cases are heard by a state review board

or equivalent authority.

15

Appeals Process
OSHA Inspections

Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines

Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a

decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related

injuries and illnesses and their related costs. To assist employers and

employees in developing effective safety and health programs,

OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54(18):3908-3916, January 26,

1989). These voluntary guidelines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements that are critical to

the development of a successful safety and health management

program:

• management commitment and employee involvement,

• worksite analysis,

• hazard prevention and control, and

• safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions under each of these

general elements to achieve an effective safety and health program.

A single free copy of the guidelines can be obtained from the U.S.

Department of Labor, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535, by sending a self-addressed mailing label

with your request.

State Programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states

to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. States

with plans approved under section 18(b) of the OSH Act must adopt

standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective as

federal requirements. There are currently 25 state plan states: 23 of

these states administer plans covering both private and public (state

and local government) employees; the other two states, Connecticut

and New York, cover public employees only. Plan states must adopt

standards comparable to federal requirements within 6 months of a

16 Other Sources of OSHA Assistance
federal standard’s promulgation. Until such time as a state standard

is promulgated, Federal OSHA provides interim enforcement assistance, as appropriate, in these states. A listing of approved state

plans appears at the end of this publication.

Consultation Services

Consultation assistance is available on request to employers who

want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful

workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no

cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers

with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered

by state government agencies or universities employing professional

safety consultants and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance

includes an appraisal of all work practices and environmental hazards

of the workplace and all aspects of the employer’s present job safety

and health program.

The program is separate from OSHA’s inspection efforts. No

penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health

problems identified by the consultant. The service is confidential.

For more information concerning consultation assistance, see the

list of consultation projects at the end of this publication.

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and onsite consultation

services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program,

expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act.

The three VPP—Star, Merit, and Demonstration—are designed

to recognize outstanding achievement by companies that have

successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs

into their total management system. They motivate others to achieve

excellent safety and health results in the same outstanding way

as they establish a cooperative relationship among employers,

employees, and OSHA.

17

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance
OSHA Inspections

For additional information on VPPs and how to apply, contact

the nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end

of this publication.

Training and Education

OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information services, such

as publications, audiovisual aids, technical advice, and speakers

for special engagements. The OSHA Training Institute in

Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in safety

and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants,

federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees,

and their representatives.

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through the

Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, to conduct training and

education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded annually and grant recipients are

expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost.

For more information on grants, training, and education, contact

the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555

Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810, (847) 297-

4874 fax.

For further information on any OSHA program, contact your

nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication.

Electronic Information

Internet—OSHA standards, interpretations, directives, and additional information are now on the World Wide Web at http://

www.osha.gov/ and http://www.osha-slc.gov/.

CD-ROM—A wide variety of OSHA materials including standards, interpretations, directives, and more, can be purchased on

CD-ROM from the U.S. Government Printing Office. To order, write

to the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh,

18
PA 15250-7954 or phone (202) 512-1800. Specify OSHA Regulations, Documents, and Technical Information on CD-ROM (ORDT),

GPO Order No. S/N 729-013-00000-5. The price is $46 per year;

$17 per single copy.

Emergencies

To report life-threatening situations, call (800) 321-OSHA.

Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or state

office for help.

For further information on any OSHA program, contact your

nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication.

19

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance
OSHA Inspections

Single, free copies of the following publications can be obtained

from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box

37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535.

Send a self-addressed mailing label with your request.

All About OSHA (OSHA 2056)

Chemical Hazard Communication (OSHA 3084)

Consultation Services for the Employer (OSHA 3047)

Employee Workplace Rights (OSHA 3021)

Employer Responsibility and Course of Action Following

an OSHA Inspection (OSHA 3000)

OSHA Publications and Audiovisual Programs

(OSHA 2019)

20 OSHA Related Publications
The following publications are available from the Superintendent

of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402, (202) 512-1800, (202) 512-2250 fax. Include GPO Order No.

and make checks payable to the Superintendent of Documents.

Construction Industry Digest (OSHA 2202)

Order No. 029-016-00193-0; Cost $4.50

Ergonomics: The Study of Work (OSHA 3125)

Order No. 029-016-00124-7; Cost $1.50

General Industry Digest (OSHA 2201)

Order No. 029-016-00202-2; Cost $4.75

Handbook for Small Business (OSHA 2209)

Order No. 029-016-00176-0; Cost $7.50

Hazard Communication—A Compliance Kit (OSHA 3104)

(A reference guide to step-by-step requirements for compliance

 with the OSHA standard.)

Order No. 029-016-00200-6; Cost $18.00

Hazard Communications Guidelines for Compliance

(OSHA 3111)

Order No. 029-016-00195-6; Cost $3.25

Training Requirements of OSHA Standards and Training

Guidelines (OSHA 2254)

Order No. 029-016-00196-4; Cost $14.00.

States with Approved Plans

21

OSHA Related Publications
OSHA Inspections

22

Commissioner

Alaska Department of Labor

1111 West 8th Street

Room 304

Juneau, AK 99801-1149

(907) 465-2700

Director

Industrial Commission of Arizona

800 W. Washington

Phoenix, AZ 85007-2922

(602) 542-5795

Director

California Department

 of Industrial Relations

455 Golden Gate Avenue -

 10th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 703-5050

Commissioner

Connecticut Department of Labor

200 Folly Brook Boulevard

Wethersfield, CT 06109

(203) 566-5123

Director

Hawaii Department of Labor

 and Industrial Relations

830 Punchbowl Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 586-8844

Commissioner

Indiana Department of Labor

 State Office Building

402 West Washington Street

Room W195

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2751

(317) 232-2378

Commissioner

Iowa Division of Labor Services

1000 E. Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

(515) 281-3447

Secretary

Kentucky Labor Cabinet

1047 U.S. Highway, 127 South,

 STE 4

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-3070

Commissioner

Maryland Division of Labor

 and Industry

Department of Labor, Licensing,

 and Regulation

1100 N. Eutaw Street,

Room 613

Baltimore, MD 21201-2206

(410) 767-2215

States with Approved Plans
Director

Michigan Department

 of Consumer and Industry

 Services

P.O. Box 30643

Lansing, MI 48909-8143

(517) 322-1814

Commissioner

Minnesota Department of Labor

 and Industry

443 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4307

(651) 296-2342

Administrator

Nevada Division of Industrial

 Relations

400 West King Street

Carson City, NV 89710

(775) 687-3032

Secretary

New Mexico Environment

 Department

1190 St. Francis Drive

P.O. Box 26110

Santa Fe, NM 87502

(505) 827-2850

Commissioner

New York Department of Labor

W. Averell Harriman State Office

 Building - 12, Room 500

Albany, NY 12240

(518) 457-2741

Commissioner

North Carolina Department

 of Labor

4 West Edenton Street

Raleigh, NC 27601-1092

(919) 807-7166

Administrator

Department of Consumer

 and Business Services

Occupational Safety and Health

 Division (OR-OSHA)

350 Winter Street, NE,

 Room 430

Salem, OR 97310-0220

(503) 378-3272

Secretary

Puerto Rico Department

 of Labor and Human Resources

Prudencio Rivera Martinez Building

505 Munoz Rivera Avenue

Hato Rey, PR 00918

(787) 754-2119

23

States with Approved Plans
OSHA Inspections

Commissioner

Virginia Department of Labor

 and Industry

Powers-Taylor Building

13 South 13th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 786-2377

Commissioner

Virgin Islands Department

 of Labor

2203 Church Street

Christiansted

St. Croix, VI 00820-4660

(340) 773-1994

Director

Washington Department

 of Labor and Industries

P.O. Box 44001

Olympia, WA 98504-4001

(360) 902-4200

Administrator

Worker’s Safety and

 Compensation Division (WSC)

Wyoming Department

 of Employment

Herschler Building,

 2nd Floor East

122 West 25th Street

Cheyenne, WY 82002

(307) 777-7786

24

Director

South Carolina Department

 of Labor, Licensing, and

 Regulation

Koger Office Park,

 Kingstree Building

110 Centerview Drive

P.O. Box 11329

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 896-4300

Commissioner

Tennessee Department of Labor

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243-0659

(615) 741-2582

Commissioner

Labor Commission of Utah

160 East 300 South, 3rd Floor

P.O. Box 146650

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6650

(801) 530-6898

Commissioner

Vermont Department

 of Labor and Industry

National Life Building -

 Drawer 20

National Life Drive

Montpelier, VT 05620-3401

(802) 828-5098
State Telephone

Alabama ...................................................................... (205) 348-3033

Alaska ......................................................................... (907) 269-4957

Arizona ....................................................................... (602) 542-1695

Arkansas ..................................................................... (501) 682-4522

California .................................................................... (415) 703-5270

Colorado ..................................................................... (970) 491-6151

Connecticut ................................................................. (860) 566-4550

Delaware ..................................................................... (302) 761-8219

District of Columbia ................................................... (202) 576-6339

Florida......................................................................... (850) 922-8955

Georgia ....................................................................... (404) 894-2643

Guam ............................................................. ..... 011(671) 475-0136

Hawaii ......................................................................... (808) 586-9100

Idaho ........................................................................... (208) 426-3283

Illinois ......................................................................... (312) 814-2337

Indiana ........................................................................ (317) 232-2688

Iowa ............................................................................ (515) 965-7162

Kansas......................................................................... (785) 296-7476

Kentucky ..................................................................... (502) 564-6895

Louisiana .................................................................... (504) 342-9601

Maine .......................................................................... (207) 624-6460

Maryland..................................................................... (410) 880-4970

Massachusetts ............................................................. (617) 727-3982

Michigan ..................................................................... (517) 322-6823(H)

............................................................................... (517) 322-1809(S)

Minnesota ................................................................... (612) 297-2393

Mississippi .................................................................. (601) 987-3981

Missouri ...................................................................... (573) 751-3403

Montana ...................................................................... (406) 444-6418

Nebraska ..................................................................... (402) 471-4717

Nevada ........................................................................ (702) 486-9140

New Hampshire .......................................................... (603) 271-2024

New Jersey .................................................................. (609) 292-3923

New Mexico ............................................................... (505) 827-4230

New York .................................................................... (518) 457-2238

North Carolina ............................................................ (919) 807-2905

North Dakota .............................................................. (701) 328-5188

Ohio ............................................................................ (614) 644-2246

OSHA Consultation Project Directory

OSHA Consultation Project Directory

25
OSHA Inspections

26

Oklahoma ................................................................... (405) 528-1500

Oregon ........................................................................ (503) 378-3272

Pennsylvania ............................................................... (724) 357-2396

Puerto Rico ................................................................. (787) 754-2171

Rhode Island ............................................................... (401) 222-2438

South Carolina ............................................................ (803) 734-9614

South Dakota .............................................................. (605) 688-4101

Tennessee .................................................................... (615) 741-7036

Texas ........................................................................... (512) 804-4640

Utah ............................................................................ (801) 530-6901

Vermont ...................................................................... (802) 828-2765

Virginia ....................................................................... (804) 786-6359

Virgin Islands .............................................................. (340) 772-1315

Washington ................................................................. (360) 902-5638

West Virginia .............................................................. (304) 558-7890

Wisconsin ................................................................... (608) 266-8579(H)

............................................................................... (262) 523-3040(S)

Wyoming .................................................................... (307) 777-7786

(H) - Health

(S) - Safety
Area Telephone

Albany, NY ................................................................. (518) 464-4338

Albuquerque, NM ....................................................... (505) 248-5302

Allentown, PA............................................................. (610) 776-0592

Anchorage, AK ........................................................... (907) 271-5152

Appleton, WI .............................................................. (920) 734-4521

Austin, TX .................................................................. (512) 916-5783

Avenel, NJ .................................................................. (908) 750-3270

Bangor, ME ................................................................ (207) 941-8179

Baton Rouge, LA ........................................................ (225) 389-0474

Bayside, NY ............................................................... (718) 279-9060

Bellevue, WA .............................................................. (206) 553-7520

Billings, MT ............................................................... (406) 247-7494

Birmingham, AL ......................................................... (205) 731-1534

Bismarck, ND ............................................................. (701) 250-4521

Boise, ID ..................................................................... (208) 321-2960

Bowmansville, NY ..................................................... (716) 684-3891

Braintree, MA ............................................................. (617) 565-6924

Bridgeport, CT ............................................................ (203) 579-5516

Calumet City, IL ......................................................... (708) 891-3800

Carson City, NV ......................................................... (702) 885-6963

Charleston, WV .......................................................... (304) 347-5937

Cincinnati, OH ............................................................ (513) 841-4132

Cleveland, OH ............................................................ (216) 522-3818

Columbia, SC ............................................................. (803) 765-5904

Columbus, OH ............................................................ (614) 469-5582

Concord, NH............................................................... (603) 225-1629

Corpus Christi, TX ..................................................... (512) 888-3420

Dallas, TX ................................................................... (214) 320-2400

Denver, CO ................................................................. (303) 844-5285

Des Plaines, IL............................................................ (847) 803-4800

Des Moines, IA ........................................................... (515) 284-4794

Eau Claire, WI ............................................................ (715) 832-9019

El Paso, TX ................................................................. (915) 534-6251

Englewood, CO .......................................................... (303) 843-4500

Erie, PA ....................................................................... (814) 833-5758

Fairview Heights, IL ................................................... (618) 632-8612

Fort Lauderdale, FL .................................................... (954) 424-0242

Fort Worth, TX ........................................................... (817) 428-2470

Frankfort, KY ............................................................. (502) 227-7024

Guaynabo,PR .............................................................. (787) 277-1560

OSHA Area Offices 27

OSHA Area Offices
OSHA Inspections

Harrisburg, PA ............................................................ (717) 782-3902

Hartford, CT ............................................................... (860) 240-3152

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ ............................................... (201) 288-1700

Honolulu, HI ............................................................... (808) 541-2685

Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 286-0583

Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 591-2438

Indianapolis, IN .......................................................... (317) 226-7290

Jackson, MS ................................................................ (601) 965-4606

Jacksonville, FL .......................................................... (904) 232-2895

Kansas City, MO ........................................................ (816) 483-9531

Linthicum, MD ........................................................... (410) 865-2055

Little Rock, AR ........................................................... (501) 324-6291

Lubbock, TX ............................................................... (806) 472-7681

Madison, WI ............................................................... (608) 441-5388

Marlton, NJ ................................................................. (609) 757-5181

Methuen, MA ............................................................. (617) 565-8110

Milwaukee, WI ........................................................... (414) 297-3315

Minneapolis, MN ........................................................ (612) 664-5460

Mobile, AL ................................................................. (334) 441-6131

Nashville, TN.............................................................. (615) 781-5423

New York, NY ............................................................ (212) 466-2482

Norfolk, VA ................................................................ (757) 441-3820

North Aurora, IL ......................................................... (630) 896-8700

Oklahoma City, OK .................................................... (405) 231-5351

Omaha, NE ................................................................. (402) 221-3182

Parsippany, NJ ............................................................ (201) 263-1003

Peoria, IL .................................................................... (309) 671-7033

Philadelphia, PA ......................................................... (215) 597-4955

Phoenix, AZ ................................................................ (602) 640-2007

Pittsburgh, PA ............................................................. (412) 395-4903

Portland, ME............................................................... (207) 780-3178

Portland, OR ............................................................... (503) 326-2251

Providence, RI ............................................................ (401) 528-4663

Raleigh, NC ................................................................ (919) 856-4770

Sacramento, CA .......................................................... (916) 566-7470

Salt Lake City, UT ...................................................... (801) 487-0680

San Diego, CA ............................................................ (619) 557-2909

Savannah, GA ............................................................. (912) 652-4393

Smyrna, GA ................................................................ (770) 984-8700

Springfield, MA .......................................................... (413) 785-0123

St. Louis, MO ............................................................. (314) 425-4249

Syracuse, NY .............................................................. (315) 451-0808

28
Tampa, FL ................................................................... (813) 626-1177

Tarrytown, NY ............................................................ (914) 524-7510

Toledo, OH ................................................................. (419) 259-7542

Tucker, GA ................................................................. (770) 493-6644

Westbury, NY ............................................................. (516) 334-3344

Wichita, KS ................................................................ (316) 269-6644

Wilkes-Barre, PA ........................................................ (717) 826-6538

Wilmington, DE.......................................................... (302) 573-6115

29

OSHA Area Offices
Region I

(CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*)

JFK Federal Building

Room E-340

Boston, MA 02203

Telephone: (617) 565-9860

Region II

(NJ, NY,* PR,* VI*)

201 Varick Street

Room 670

New York, NY 10014

Telephone: (212) 337-2378

Region III

(DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV)

The Curtis Center - Suite 740 West

170 S. Independence Mall West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

Telephone: (215) 861-4900

Region IV

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,*

SC,* TN*)

Atlanta Federal Center

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

Telephone: (404) 562-2300

Region V

(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

Telephone: (312) 353-2220

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety

and health programs (Connecticut and New York plans cover public employees

only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to,

or at least as effective as, the federal standard.

Region VI

(AR, LA, MN,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street

Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

Telephone: (214) 767-4731

Region VII

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

City Center Square

1100 Main Street, Suite 800

Kansas City, MO 64105

Telephone: (816) 426-5861

Region VIII

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)

1999 Broadway

Suite 1690

Denver, CO 80802-5716

Telephone: (303) 844-1600

Region IX

(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,*

Guam, HI,* NV,* Trust

Territories of the Pacific)

71 Stevenson Street

4th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105

Telephone: (415) 975-4310

Region X

(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

1111 Third Avenue

Suite 715

Seattle, WA 98101-3212

Telephone: (206) 553-5930

U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Regional Offices