Know Your OSHA Inspection Rights
What every employer should know before an OSHA inspector arrives — opening conference, walkaround, employee interviews, document requests, warrants, and contest rights.
Citation:29 CFR 1903
Who needs this
California employers and site supervisors subject to Cal/OSHA jurisdiction should read this.
California — State PlanCal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health)
How California enforces OSHA inspection rights
California operates an approved state OSHA plan. Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) enforces workplace safety standards in the state.
State-specific inspection procedures and employer rights differences
No California-specific overrides beyond the federal baseline were found in our research.
Appeal and contest procedures in California
The standard Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) process applies. Refer to that agency for current procedures.
What to do if Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) arrives at your site
- Verify the inspector's credentials before allowing entry.
- Contact legal counsel or a safety professional promptly.
- Designate a walkaround representative to accompany the inspector.
- Log all document requests and information provided.
- Calendar the deadline to contest any citation.