Read this guide to learn some of the most common myths and misconceptions about OSHA inspections and roof safety systems.
There are a lot of misconceptions about roof safety systems and roof safety. You may be aware of the different safety standards set by OSHA and that it is your duty to ensure that your employees are safe. You may also be aware that it can cost you a lot of money and even jail time if you fail to provide your employees with protection that complies with the safety standards put in place by OSHA.
If an injury or accident happens, you know there will be an inspection and other unannounced follow-up inspections afterwards.What you may not be aware of is that there are a lot of myths about these inspections, and believing them could land you with problems.
Let us break it down for you.
MYTH: Inspections only happen to big companies
One of the most common misconceptions about inspections is that they only happen to large companies. This is false because whether you have more than one thousand employees or fewer than ten employees, you could still be subject to inspections. It is true that OSHA is a small entity and it does not have the resources or manpower to observe every business but that does not mean you do not have to comply with their regulations and safety standards.
MISCONCEPTION: OSHA chooses companies for inspections randomly
If you stay awake at night with concerns about OSHA popping into your business for inspections of your roof safety solutions and measures, you are worrying too much. With over 8 million businesses for OSHA to oversee, it has to prioritise which companies it inspects. Rather than choosing companies randomly, OSHA inspections are triggered by various things such as severe injuries, imminent danger, complaints by employees and agency referrals.
Is complying with inspections mandatory?
Whilst this seems straightforward, the real truth is that you can keep inspections from entering your business temporarily. You can even request that inspectors get a warrant before performing inspections. This may not be a wise move because it can give OSHA the impression that your business has something to hide. While you technically do not have to do this, it is better to let OSHA inspectors in.
The last thing you want is for the inspector to see your employees work in an environment that is unsafe. It seems logical that if you stop working in your facility, OSHA inspectors can do their job and issues with your safety systems may not be noticed. It could result in fines and criminal charges.
MYTH: I will be exempt if I ask for an inspection
You may be concerned that maybe some roof safety systems in your business represent a violation and that if you request a safety standard inspection for your rooftop, OSHA will help you identify the problem and fix it without worrying about citations. This is false and can land you in trouble.
Whether the violation is an inadequate lifeline system, a missing metal guardrail or a faulty system, you may be fined.
