NFIB

OSHA Inspections Begin At High-Injury Worksites
04/22/2002

Small businesses that reported work injuries to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last year should expect an inspection by the agency sometime during the next year.

OSHA announced last week that it will conduct its fourth year of comprehensive safety and health inspections at more than 3,000 workplaces. The agency will visit employers that reported 14 or more injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time employees that resulted in lost work days. Businesses that reported at least eight injuries or illnesses will be slated for a possible visit as well.

The national average for workplace injuries is three instances for every 100 workers.

Even businesses with perfect health and safety records are not guaranteed to escape inspections. Two hundred worksites with low injury or illness records will be placed on OSHA's primary visit list to help the agency gain information on the actual degree of compliance with OSHA requirements, the agency said.

This year's program will not include visits to construction sites or nursing and personal care facilities.