“As any contractor would likely agree, news that an inspector from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just showed up unexpectedly (it is almost always this way) and wants to speak with someone ‘in charge’ is usually met with alarm if not panic,” writes Michael Rubin, special counsel in Goldberg Segalla’s Construction and OSHA and Worksite Safety Practice Groups, in this article for Progress! Under Construction, the newsletter of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way. With an understanding of what to expect during an inspection, as well as a firm understanding of your rights and responsibilities should you later receive a citation, those facing an OSHA inspection may handle the process more effectively and mitigate, if not entirely eliminate, potential violations and penalties.”

In this article, Michael examines the OSHA inspection process, citations and penalties, and various options and strategies contractors may use to minimize the threat and impact of OSHA enforcement.