OSHA inspectors conduct opening conferences as part of the procedure for investigations of complaints, referrals and serious worker accidents. The opening conference presents an opportunity for employers to manage and control OSHA inspector access to relevant areas and materials. The OSHA inspector conducts meetings with company representatives and employees in the presence of legal counsel where possible in order to inform them on the pending inspection. After the initial introduction, the safety manager should request the inspector’s full contact details. The inspector should explain reasons for the intended inspection whether random selection or in response to an employee complaint. If the inspection is due to a complaint, the employer should control the assessment area. Scope of the inspection and the OSHA standards that will apply should be addressed and copies of the employee’s complaint as well as health and safety standards produced by the inspector (Tompkins, 2006).
If the inspector requires assistance during the inspection, an employee representative is appointed either by the union, employee committee or the management. If employees of other employers work at the site, the inspector may include their representative. An agreement limiting investigation to areas of the problem and confidentiality should be arrived at during the opening conference. During the opening conference, the safety manager should provide OSHA 300 log for review and verification (Tompkins, 2006). Employee hours worked, and number of employee for the past two years should be addressed to establish the company’s lost work day case rates. Tompkins (2006) argued that lower rates than OSHA rates indicate no need for full scale inspection if no complaint exists. The opening conference also addresses the employer’s hazard communication program and emergency response plans. Notes should be taken of all said and done during the opening meeting and kept in a company report regarding the inspection.
Reference
Tompkins, N, C., (2006). A Manager’s Guide to OSHA: What Every Manager Should Know. Thomson Place, Boston, MA
