OSHA: Created in 1970 to Reduce Workplace Deaths

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the Department of Labor. It was established by the Occupational Safety & Health act of 1970, signed by President Nixon. Section 10 of the Act gives the Secretary of Labor authority to assess civil penalties for citations of violations.

OSHA can interpret the law through rulemaking but must follow the Act’s boundaries. If it oversteps, lawsuits are possible, and Congress could repeal the OSH Act, though that’s unlikely. Still, OSHA must comply with the law to avoid issues.

Inspections and citations can be stressful, and employers may view OSHA as just another government agency. But their mission is worker safety, driven by hardworking professionals—some of whom are former OSHA employees at Lancaster Safety.

Remember, OSHA was created by elected officials to protect workers—it didn’t create itself!

I Am Safe – Why Should the Government Monitor My Business?

America is built and run by real people working real world jobs.

• Electric linemen handle lethal voltage live wire to restore power.

• Warehouse workers navigate crowded floors with heavy-powered machines to get your products shipped.

• Construction workers move tons of dirt and steel to build our cities and neighborhoods.

Each of these jobs involves inherent risks that need oversight and regulation to ensure safety and well-being.

Workplace Safety: Why It Matters

These jobs demand skill, perseverance, and most importantly, a company’s commitment to employee safety.

Competition has made America an economic giant, but unchecked, it risks prioritizing profit over safety. OSHA exists to prevent the 14,000 workplace deaths each year (source) —that’s 14,000 families shattered . These are real people, doing the tough jobs that keep our world running. No job is worth the life of a parent or child.

At Lancaster Safety Consulting, Inc., we fully support OSHA’s mission to protect workers so they can return home safely. As fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, many of us have seen companies cut corners on safety to save time or money. This needs to change.

Would Competition Alone Make Unsafe Companies Go Bankrupt?

Imagine football, baseball, or basketball without a referee. The most aggressive and dishonest team would easily dominate.

• A football team could cheap-shot the quarterback, breaking ribs and causing a concussion.

• A baseball team might throw a 100MPH fastball at a star player, breaking his jaw.

• Without rules, anything goes, and the outcome would be disastrous.

Games Need Rules. So Does the Economy.

Now think about your industry. Some competitors may cut corners—no PPE, no training, no safety protocols—to save money and finish faster. But they’re risking lives, and that’s a dangerous game. Safety is no longer optional. Contractors are demanding more qualifications, and customers are choosing companies that prioritize safety.

Think of OSHA as a referee in the world of business, making sure no company gains unfair advantage by skipping the rules that protect workers and keep our loved ones safe.

How Does OSHA Enforce the Rules?

OSHA regulations are necessarily complex—with many hundreds of pages of definitions, rules, subparts A-Z, etc. that can even confuse experts — but here’s a simpler breakdown.

An OSHA inspection happens when a Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) visits your site. Inspections are typically triggered by complaints, referrals, or incidents like injuries or fatalities.

About 20% of inspections come from employee complaints, so take those concerns seriously. In 2021, only 43% of the 24,333 inspections were “programmed” by OSHA based on enforcement priorities (source).

There are three parts to an inspection

1. The Opening Conference

The OSHA inspector starts by showing their credentials, including their photo and serial number. They’ll explain why your workplace was selected for inspection and outline the scope. Then, they’ll request key safety documentation, like:

• Required OSHA Records like a Form 300 (injuries/illnesses)

• Written Safety Programs

• Safety & Health Training Logs

• SDS Logs

• Preventive Maintenance Records

• And more!

Not having proper records or keeping them poorly can start the inspection off badly. The OSHA 300 logs must be submitted within 4 hours of the request. If you’re unsure about your recordkeeping, we recommend getting expert help. Check out our free OSHA Recordkeeping webinar to get up to speed.

2. The Walkaround

With your documentation, the OSHA inspector will tour the worksite. They’ll start by checking the hazards that triggered the inspection but can expand to any new hazards they find. A heat-related inspection could turn into a look at your forklift’s maintenance history if it appears worn-down.

If potential health hazards like airborne contaminants or noise are spotted, a follow-up visit for air or noise monitoring may be scheduled.

The inspector will also likely interview employees privately. Employees have the right to speak confidentially. Ask yourself: Is your company taking employee safety seriously? If not, some workers might welcome an opportunity to share concerns with an official.

3. The Closing Conference

After the walkaround, the OSHA inspector will either hold the closing conference on-site or schedule it later, once they’ve reviewed all documentation. Inspections can take up to 6 months.

Violations are specific OSHA standards that were violated. If you’re under the General Industry Standard 1910, violations could range across various areas (for example).

You may receive deadlines and possible fines. Remember, your employees also have rights, which the inspector will explain to them or their representative.