Top Priority OSHA Inspections

Imminent danger situations are hazards that could cause serious physical harm or death. These situations are a top priority for OSHA inspections. Compliance officers will ask companies to correct these hazards immediately or remove the workers in danger.

Severe injuries and illnesses are also a top priority for OSHA inspections.

Companies must report:

All work-related fatalities within 8 hours
All work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours

Worker complaints of hazards or violations are another high priority for OSHA. Workers may request anonymity when they file complaints.

Referrals of hazards from federal, state, or local agencies, individuals, organizations, or the media are considered for inspection. Targeted inspections aimed at specific high-hazard industries or individual workplaces that have experienced high rates of injuries and illnesses also receive priority.