OSHA inspections are unannounced, thorough, and—if your business isn’t prepared—potentially expensive. In California, where Cal/OSHA enforces both federal and state-specific safety regulations, understanding how inspections work is essential for protecting your team and avoiding costly citations.
At ROI Safety Services, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across California prepare for and pass OSHA inspections with confidence. This guide breaks down what to expect during an OSHA visit, how to prepare, and how to stay in compliance year-round.
Why OSHA Inspections Happen
OSHA inspections aren’t random—they’re triggered by specific events or risk factors. These may include:
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A serious workplace accident or fatality
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A complaint from an employee or whistleblower
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A referral from another government agency
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High injury/illness rates in your industry
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A scheduled inspection based on national or regional emphasis programs
If your business is in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, or any high-risk industry, you are much more likely to be inspected.
What Happens During an OSHA Inspection?
Here’s what a typical inspection process looks like:
1. Arrival and Presentation of Credentials
The inspector will show official OSHA identification. You have the right to verify their credentials, but you cannot refuse the inspection once it’s initiated.
2. Opening Conference
The inspector will meet with management and safety personnel to explain the purpose and scope of the inspection. They may ask for documentation related to your safety program, such as:
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Injury and illness logs
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Training records
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Safety manuals
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Previous inspection reports
3. Walkaround Inspection
The inspector will tour your facility, observing operations, talking to employees, and identifying hazards. They may take photographs or collect samples. During this time, they’ll be looking for violations related to PPE, signage, equipment, chemicals, and more.
4. Employee Interviews
OSHA may speak with workers privately to understand safety practices and uncover unreported hazards or concerns. Your employees should feel confident and informed—on-site training can help them prepare.
5. Closing Conference
Once the inspection ends, the inspector will summarize their findings and may discuss potential violations. You won’t receive fines immediately—these are detailed in a written report later.
Common OSHA Violations Found During Inspections
Some of the most frequently cited issues include:
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Inadequate fall protection
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Lack of forklift operator certification
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Poor chemical labeling or missing SDS sheets
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Absence of a written safety plan
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Incomplete injury and illness logs
Avoid these pitfalls with ongoing compliance support like our Safety Training Subscription, which helps ensure every safety measure is up to date.
How to Prepare for an OSHA Inspection
✅ Conduct Internal Audits
Schedule regular safety inspections with a third party like ROI Safety Services to identify and correct issues before OSHA finds them. Our team offers full compliance assessments tailored to your industry.
✅ Train Your Team
Invest in proper training for employees and supervisors. Our Train the Trainer courses help businesses create internal experts who can oversee compliance 24/7.
✅ Maintain Proper Documentation
Keep your OSHA 300 logs, SDS files, employee training records, and safety policies organized and accessible. Inspectors will ask for them—and missing paperwork is a fast track to violations.
✅ Create a Safety Culture
Promote open communication, reward safety-conscious behavior, and correct hazards promptly. A proactive culture reduces accidents and demonstrates your commitment to OSHA standards.
How ROI Safety Services Helps You Stay Inspection-Ready
Being prepared for OSHA doesn’t mean waiting for a knock at your door. With ROI Safety Services, you can take a proactive approach to workplace safety and compliance:
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On-Site OSHA Safety Training: Live, industry-specific training tailored to your workforce and facility.
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Monthly Safety Training Subscriptions: Stay compliant with regularly scheduled training sessions.
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Train the Trainer Programs: Empower internal leaders to deliver effective safety training in-house.
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Statewide Service Coverage: We serve clients across California with localized support.
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Consulting and Audit Services: Our team can perform a mock inspection to uncover issues before OSHA does.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our mission to help businesses achieve “People First, Zero Injuries.”
What to Do If You Receive a Citation
If OSHA finds violations, they will issue a formal citation and propose penalties. Here’s what to do:
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Review the citation thoroughly to understand the nature of the violation.
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Correct the issue immediately and document your corrective actions.
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Consider requesting an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the citation and possibly reduce penalties.
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Keep detailed records of everything you do to fix the issue.
Having a trusted partner like ROI Safety Services during this process can make a significant difference in your outcome.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear OSHA—Be Ready
OSHA inspections are a necessary part of workplace safety enforcement. Rather than fearing an inspection, embrace the opportunity to strengthen your systems and protect your people. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be.
If you’re unsure how inspection-ready your workplace is, we can help.
✅ Get a quote or schedule an audit
✅ Join our Training Subscription
✅ Book a Train the Trainer session
✅ Explore our California training locations
With ROI Safety Services, OSHA inspections don’t have to be intimidating—they can be just another confirmation that you’re doing things right.