Workplace safety impacts everyone, and awareness of potential hazards can make all the difference when choosing an employer or advocating for better working conditions.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tracks workplace inspections, violations, and enforcement actions across industries. These records allow employees to check whether their employer follows federal safety regulations and provides a safe working environment. Access to this information ensures that businesses are held accountable and that workers have the resources to advocate for necessary safety improvements.
OSHA citations are public records available through the Department of Labor’s online database, offering transparency into a company’s safety history.
Key Takeaways:
- OSHA citations and inspection records are publicly accessible online.
- Employees can review workplace safety records to assess compliance and risk.
- Federal law protects workers who report unsafe conditions or access OSHA records.
Are OSHA Citations Public Records?
Yes, OSHA citations and violations are public records. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that workplace safety information remains accessible to anyone.
OSHA’s online database allows users to search for inspection details, citations, and violations tied to specific companies. Available information includes penalty amounts, violation classifications, and case statuses. This transparency helps workers stay informed, and encourages businesses to remain compliant with safety regulations.
Note: Citations remain private while OSHA investigations are ongoing. Once finalized, they become part of the public record.
To request detailed citation information, submit a FOIA request to the National OSHA FOIA Officer. However, basic violation data is easily accessible through OSHA’s Establishment Search tool on their website.
Key public details include:
- Inspection dates
- Violation descriptions
- Penalty amounts
- Required corrections
- Employer responses
These records provide transparency and help promote workplace safety by holding companies accountable. Prospective employees can review an employer’s safety record before applying for a job, and current employees can use this information to advocate for better working conditions. Access to this data also motivates businesses to prioritize employee safety to avoid repeat violations.
Citations remain on record for five years after a case closes, ensuring a transparent compliance history.
Accessing OSHA Citation Records
OSHA citation records are publicly available, allowing employees, employers, and safety advocates to review workplace violation histories.
How to Search for OSHA Inspection and Violation History
OSHA’s Establishment Search tool provides a quick way to look up inspection reports and citations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing these records:
- Go to the OSHA website.
- Click on the ‘Establishment Search’ tool.
- Enter the company name, location, or industry.
Search results include:
- Employer names and addresses
- Inspection summaries
- Citations issued
- Penalties assessed
The database updates regularly with new inspections and citations. Users can also download reports or view individual case details. The ability to track previous and current violations gives workers and organizations critical insights into a company’s safety track record.
Understanding the Data
Citations detail the specific safety standards violated by an employer. Each record includes the inspection date, whether the inspection was a result of an employee complaint or planned inspection, in addition to the type of citation, and any associated penalties. Understanding this information is crucial for assessing the severity of safety concerns.
- Violation Descriptions: These explain the specific standard or standards cited identified during the inspection, and the type of citation
- Inspection History: This shows the date citations were issued, whether violations were corrected or contested, and whether follow-up inspections occurred.
- Serious Violations: These indicate a substantial probability of death or serious physical harm. If your employer has multiple serious violations, it’s a major red flag that your safety is not a priority, putting you at significant risk.
- Other-Than-Serious Violations: These directly relate to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
- Repeated Violations: A pattern of repeated violations strongly suggests ongoing safety issues at a workplace.
Reviewing these details empowers you to make informed decisions about your employment and advocate for necessary improvements. Companies with multiple unresolved citations may have systemic safety failures, influencing your job choices or prompting further advocacy efforts.
Using OSHA Citations for Workplace Safety Advocacy
OSHA citations offer more than just documentation—they are powerful tools for holding employers accountable and pushing for improved health and safety conditions.
Advocating for Safer Workplaces
Citations provide concrete evidence of workplace hazards. Employees and safety advocates can use these records to highlight areas requiring immediate attention and improvement. For example, recurring violations for inadequate fall protection could justify demands for better safety training and equipment. Raising these concerns, backed by documented violations, can significantly impact your employer’s response.
Discussing citation histories in safety meetings can help prioritize corrective actions. Employers are more likely to address risks when presented with documented violations. You can hold your employer accountable and create a safer work environment by actively using OSHA records.
Safety committees can leverage citation data to advocate for stronger workplace policies. Employers facing documented violations are more inclined to invest in better procedures, equipment, and training.
Protecting Employee Rights
You have legal protections when reporting health and safety concerns, especially when supported by OSHA citation evidence. OSHA’s whistleblower protection program safeguards employees from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions. Knowing your rights empowers you to speak up without fear of reprisal.
Past OSHA violations can also strengthen workers’ compensation claims, demonstrating an employer’s negligence regarding safety responsibilities. You can request inspection records to verify whether corrective actions were implemented. If violations remain unresolved, reporting these “failure-to-abate” situations can result in increased penalties for the employer.
Unions and worker organizations frequently utilize citation histories during contract negotiations to secure stronger health and safety protections. Documented violations strengthens the argument for improved working conditions. Employers with a history of OSHA citations may feel increased pressure to agree to enhanced health and safety policies in labor agreements.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
OSHA citations follow a legal process determining how violations are documented, contested, and made available to the public.
The Role of the Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures public access to OSHA citation records and inspection reports. Recent amendments have improved online access to these documents.
Employees can request specific reports, citations, and related documents through FOIA. However, certain details, like medical records or trade secrets, may be redacted for privacy reasons. OSHA promotes transparency in workplace safety enforcement by making these records available.
FOIA requests can be submitted online, by mail, or by fax. OSHA must respond within 20 business days, though complex requests may take longer. Workers who need urgent access to records should use online databases whenever possible.
OSHA’s Enforcement Process
OSHA issues citations when inspections reveal workplace safety violations. Employers have 15 working days to contest them through the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Each citation outlines the specific violation, proposed penalty, and deadline for corrective action. Penalty amounts vary based on severity, from minor infractions to willful violations that show intentional disregard for safety.
Employers must post citations at or near the violation site for at least three working days or until the issue is corrected, by law. This requirement ensures that employees are aware of any hazards in their workplace.
If an employer contests a citation, the case goes before an administrative law judge, whose decision can be appealed to the full Review Commission. Understanding how OSHA citations work empowers workers to take action when necessary.
Take Control of Your Workplace Safety
Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Take proactive steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your coworkers.
Visit FACS for valuable resources and expert guidance on workplace health and safety. We offer comprehensive safety training programs, compliance assistance, and expert consulting services to help create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.