OSHA Inspection Lesson: One Friendly Tour Led to 6 More Citations
Avoid extra OSHA citations by keeping inspections in scope, naming one spokesperson, and giving brief, truthful answers during the walkaround.
Published: August 10, 2026 · By Steven Brooks
Category: Industrial Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an OSHA inspection expand beyond the original reason for the visit?
Yes. If the employer voluntarily opens additional areas or OSHA observes hazards in plain view, the inspection can expose the company to additional citation items.
Should managers answer every OSHA question directly themselves?
The article recommends designating one employer representative to handle communication. Managers should be honest, but the company should avoid multiple people speaking freely and inconsistently.
Is it okay to give OSHA a full facility tour to show cooperation?
Not unless that tour is necessary to the stated scope of the inspection. An unplanned tour can reveal unrelated hazards and increase citation risk.
What should an employer do first after receiving OSHA citations?
Review each item carefully, compare OSHA’s description to your own notes and records, identify immediate abatement actions, and organize documentation before deciding on next steps such as an informal conference.
How can citation mitigation support help after an inspection?
It can help with citation and proposed-penalty review, informal-conference preparation and representation, abatement documentation support, and a practical penalty-reduction strategy.