How to Prep for an OSHA Site Audit: IH Checklist

As an employer, you know that a site audit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can be a stressful and time-consuming experience. But with proper preparation, you can minimize the risk of citations and ensure a smooth audit process. In this blog post, we'll provide you with an Industrial Hygienist (IH) checklist to help you prepare for an OSHA site audit.

Before the Audit:

1. Review OSHA Regulations: Familiarize yourself with OSHA regulations and standards related to your industry. This will help you identify potential hazards and take corrective action.

2. Conduct a Self-Audit: Perform a self-audit of your workplace to identify potential hazards, violations, and areas for improvement. This will help you prioritize your efforts and focus on high-risk areas.

3. Gather Documentation: Collect and organize all relevant documentation, including:

   • Safety data sheets (SDSs)

   • Hazard communication plans

   • Training records

   • Incident reports

   • Injury and illness logs

   • Compliance certifications

During the Audit:

1. Prepare for the Inspector: Ensure that the audit team is ready to address any questions or concerns from the OSHA inspector. Designate a primary point of contact and have all necessary documentation readily available.

2. Provide Access: Grant the inspector unrestricted access to all areas of the workplace, including restricted areas and documentation.

3. Answer Questions Truthfully: Be prepared to answer questions truthfully and provide detailed information about your workplace hazards, controls, and procedures.

IH Checklist:

The following Industrial Hygienist checklist can help you prepare for an OSHA site audit:

1. Hazardous Materials:

   • Are hazardous materials stored, handled, and disposed of in accordance with OSHA regulations?

   • Are employees properly trained on handling hazardous materials?

2. Respiratory Protection:

   • Are respirators properly fitted and maintained?

   • Are employees properly trained on respirator use?

3. Hearing Conservation:

   • Are employees exposed to hazardous noise levels?

   • Are hearing conservation programs in place?

4. Ergonomics:

   • Are employees performing tasks that may cause musculoskeletal disorders?

   • Are ergonomic programs in place to reduce the risk of injury?

5. Confined Spaces:

   • Are confined spaces identified and evaluated?

   • Are employees properly trained on confined space entry procedures?

6. Fall Protection:

   • Are employees working at heights?

   • Are fall protection systems in place?

After the Audit:

1. Address Citations: If citations are issued, address them promptly and take corrective action to prevent future violations.

2. Implement Corrective Actions: Implement any corrective actions identified during the audit to prevent future hazards and violations.

3. Continuously Monitor and Improve: Continuously monitor and improve your workplace safety and health program to prevent future audits and ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

By following this IH checklist and taking the necessary steps to prepare for an OSHA site audit, you can minimize the risk of citations and ensure a smooth audit process. Remember to always prioritize workplace safety and health, and be proactive in addressing potential hazards and violations.

For assistance performing a self-audit before/after, and corrective action development, contact Seilas Solutions.