Online OSHA certification is a way to get certified on your own time

If an OSHA expert comes to your place of work for an inspection, don't be surprised. It is necessary for them to inspect various workplaces, and it's best to be prepared for them. There are some things you can do to make the visit a little bit easier.

You never want to get caught in a sales situation when you think you are speaking with an OSHA inspector. Every once in a while, a sales person will pose as someone coming to check out your workplace, but will actually try to sell you a product. To avoid this, simply ask to see their official OSHA id. Every inspector that is certified will have one.

Don't take the entire visit onto your shoulders. Invite the safety officer from your workplace to join in on the visit. They will have the proper paperwork that the OSHA inspector needs. This will be a huge help in relieving any stress you are experiencing.

Keep in mind that an OSHA inspector is on your team. They are there to help you improve your business, not take it down. Feel confident about your place of work, don't be worried that they are going to nitpick every teeny tiny detail. You both have the safety of your employees at heart, so they can do nothing but help you improve your business!

Stay Calm, Cool and Quiet
Once you've introduced yourself to the OSHA inspector, it's time to sit still, keep quiet and listen to what the inspector has to say. If you're asked a direct question, give a thoughtful, sensible answer - let your mind do the thinking before your mouth does any talking. Even if your pulse is pounding in your head, stay relaxed and hand over any documentation asked for by the inspector. After the question-and-answer period and a review of the safety documentation, the OSHA inspector will want to have a tour of the business to check things out in person.
Always offer to lend the OSHA inspector any saftey equipment that you and your employees use. They often bring their own, but offering to let them use yours shows that you have it on hand, and you are actively thinking about what is necessary for the situation. This kind of thoughtfulness will go a long way in showing them that you are being safe on site.

Show pride
As you give the tour of your facilities, show pride in how things are done and the health and safety of everyone involved is at the top of your list of concerns. It helps if you've done a dress rehearsal of sorts beforehand, so you already know what's what and if any issues need to be addressed before an inspector calls.

Jerry Marchbank owns The EHS Pros, and is eager to help others be prepared for OSHA inspections at their workplace. To find out about his Online OSHA Certification courses, visit their website, www.theehspros.com.