When OSHA Inspectors Give Compliance-Method Advice: Listen and Document

摘要

Can employers rely upon compliance-method affirmative advice received from OSHA inspectors and OSHA consultation staff officials? Yes, as a number of recent cases and agency developments have shown. For instance, Miami Industries, Inc. was cited for failing to guard certain tube-rolling machines. As an abatement measure, Miami devised a guard and discussed the adequacy of the guard with OSHA. At an informal conference, OSHA representatives indicated the guard was adequate (that would be satisfactory) and that Miami could resume operation of the rolling machines. OSHA conducted seven inspections and never cited the rolling machines.