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Monday Safety
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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

Washington employers subject to DOSH workplace inspections should read this.

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WashingtonState PlanWashington DOSH (Department of Labor & Industries)

How Washington enforces OSHA inspection rights

Washington operates an approved state plan. Washington DOSH (Department of Labor & Industries) is the enforcing agency.

State-specific inspection procedures and employer rights differences

No Washington-specific overrides beyond the federal baseline were found in our research.

Appeal and contest procedures in Washington

The standard Washington DOSH (Department of Labor & Industries) process applies. Refer to that agency for current procedures.

What to do if Washington DOSH (Department of Labor & Industries) arrives at your site

  • Verify the inspector's credentials before allowing entry.
  • Contact legal counsel promptly.
  • Designate a walkaround representative.
  • Log all document requests made by the inspector.
  • Calendar the deadline to contest any citation.