It is definitely true that, once an inspector is on-site (especially if allowed to wander the site to observe processes/actions unrelated to the stated purpose of the inspection), one finding often does lead to another as evidenced in the following example from the latest OSHA March 17 Quick Takes newsletter:

Ohio printing company receives multiple citations following three separate inspections into safety and health violations

OSHA initiated a safety inspection of Quad Graphics in September following a worker’s amputation injury at the Columbus, Ohio, printing facility. Four days after the reported incident, another worker’s finger was fractured in a printing press. In October, after reviewing the employer’s injury and illness logs and finding that several workers had suffered hearing loss, the inspector opened a health inspection to evaluate the employer’s hearing conservation program. A second health inspection was opened in November to address possible combustible dust hazards. OSHA issued the company multiple safety and health citations for violations related to standards including machine guarding, electrical, fall protection, noise, personal protective equipment and hazard communication.

Proactive actions to correct safety issues (ahead of an inspection or incident) is always the preferred approach, as any company caught in the seemingly never-ending spiral of violations, corrective actions, reporting, fines, reduced productivity and repeat inspections will quickly attest. Where is your company on complying with the numerous OSHA regulations? Resting a little easier, knowing which regulations apply and that you truly have done what you can to prevent costly accidents and audit findings, allows you to do what you do best…run your business.  Let CTI help to minimize that worry.  Contact us today for a Safety Compliance Assessment.