OSHA targets its inspections at workplaces that pose the highest risks for worker injury and death. The kinds of workplaces OSHA focuses on include those with:
- Imminent danger situations where there is an immediate risk of death or serious physical harm.
- Fatalities or catastrophes, such as accidents causing hospitalizations of three or more workers.
- Workplaces that have experienced severe injuries like amputations or inpatient hospitalizations.
- Sites with worker complaints of hazards that are prioritized by severity and exposure.
- Referrals from other agencies or programs targeting specific hazards or industries.
- Workplaces with high rates of injuries and illnesses based on data analysis.
- Follow-up inspections to ensure correction of previously cited violations.
In essence, OSHA prioritizes inspections based on the severity of hazards, the occurrence of serious injuries or fatalities, worker complaints, and data- driven targeting of high-risk industries rather than inspecting every workplace equally.
