OSHA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA's mission is to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities through organized safety precautions. Since the agency's inception, OSHA regulations have evolved with America's changing workplaces. U.S. workplaces are mandated by law to comply with OSHA regulations.
OSHA inspectors, also known as compliance safety and health officers, are trained in the disciplines of safety and industrial hygiene. All OSHA workplace inspections are performed without warning, except in rare instances when a site is given 24 hours' notice.
A compliance officer prepares for an inspection by becoming familiar with the workplace and the nature of the business. This background information helps the compliance officer determine potential hazards and the appropriate protective equipment to employ during the inspection.
Next, the compliance officers explain to a company representative why the workplace was selected during a period called the "opening conference." Then, the compliance officer explains the purpose of the visit and conducts a walk-through of the workplace for health or safety hazards. Often an employee accompanies the compliance officer during the inspection, but it's not mandatory.
Compliance officers engage with employees about workplace safety and health conditions, take photos and videos or conduct instrument readings. Workplace records are also reviewed.
OTI compliance officers are employees of a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. Applicants for OSHA inspector positions generally have degrees in engineering or health safety. Nonetheless, specialized training is provided to make the inspector aware of all workplace safety considerations.
Federal, state and private industry compliance officers receive training on OSHA regulations at OTI Education centers throughout the country. To respond to the growing demand for OSHA enforcement across industries, OSHA has developed coursework for inspectors that focuses on nursing homes, ergonomics and construction noise. Although many OSHA courses are designed for the traditional classroom, a limited number of courses are available online and in Spanish.
In 1992, OSHA began partnering with other training and education programs to offer OTI Education courses. Courses can take a full week or be conducted in one-day increments, often on Saturdays. Courses can also be completed via distance learning and online programs.
An individual can obtain a certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctorate in OSHA-related coursework with OTI partner institutions. Short courses are also available on industry-specific safety concerns and topics.
Although OSHA training helps many federal, state and local health and safety inspectors prepare for their work, OSHA training also has merit in the private sector. Many companies, especially in hazardous or labor-intense trades, maintain ongoing OSHA education for key staff. A visit from an OSHA inspector can be avoided if a company has a safety professional tasked with evaluating hazards and training personnel on health and safety best practices. Workplace safety prevents negative publicity, reduces the costs related to noncompliance or litigation and can boost staff morale.