An ADOSH inspection has three parts: an opening conference where the inspector explains the reason for the visit, a walkaround of the site with interviews and records review, and a closing conference where possible violations are discussed. Citations, if any, arrive later by mail. Having programs, training records and OSHA 300 logs ready shortens the visit.
Knowing the shape of an inspection takes most of the fear out of it. Below is what usually happens, and what an inspector asks for first. The best preparation is to have run the visit once already, which is what a mock inspection does.
Why inspections happen
ADOSH does not visit at random. Inspections are usually triggered by an employee complaint, a referral from another agency, a local or national emphasis program targeting a known hazard, or a reported serious injury or fatality. If a complaint is the trigger, the process has its own steps; see ADOSH complaints.
Opening conference
The inspector arrives, presents credentials and holds an opening conference. They explain why they are there, the scope of the inspection and how it will run. This is where you learn whether the visit is about a specific complaint or hazard or is broader.
Walkaround and interviews
The inspector then walks the site. They observe conditions, take photos and measurements, and may speak with employees. Walk with them, take your own parallel photos and notes, and keep the scope to what was described in the opening conference.
Records the inspector asks for
Be ready to produce your written programs, training records, your OSHA 300, 300A and 301 injury and illness records, and safety data sheets. Having these organized and current shortens the visit and signals a managed safety program. For the programs an inspector expects to see, review the OSHA-required written programs.
Closing conference
At the end, the inspector holds a closing conference to discuss what they observed and any possible violations. No citation is issued on the spot; any citations and penalties come later by mail. Use the closing conference to understand what was found and to ask questions.
Your rights during an inspection
Employers have rights during an inspection, and so do employees. These include matters such as the scope of the inspection, representation during the walkaround and how employee interviews are handled. Because these rights have legal weight, confirm the specifics with counsel.
Download: inspection-ready records list
Want a single checklist of what to have on hand? Download the inspection-ready records list. The form routes to our team and we reply within one business day.
FAQs
Can I ask the inspector to come back later?
In general you cannot simply turn an inspector away, and refusing entry has consequences. There are limited, lawful ways to address timing or scope. Confirm your options with counsel before acting.
Should employees be interviewed privately?
Inspectors may interview employees, and some interviews can be private. How interviews are conducted depends on the employee’s role. Confirm the handling with counsel.
How long until citations arrive?
Citations are issued after the inspection by mail, not during the visit. Any citation also has a legal time limit from the alleged violation.
ETC runs mock inspections the way an inspector would, so the real visit holds no surprises. See the mock inspection and safety audit. For what comes next if you do get a citation, see what to do after a citation.
Next step
Run a mock inspection with ETC before the real one.
Link: https://e-t-c.com/consulting/osha-safety-audits/
Call: (602) 923-9673
Run a mock inspection with ETC before the real one.
Call (602) 923-9673