OSHA inspectors will not routinely ask for the findings of safety audits voluntarily conducted by employers, according to a policy formalized by the agency after concerns were raised by a number of corporations.
A voluntary worksite evaluation will not be used against a company to justify a citation as long as a hazard found during an OSHA inspection has been corrected and steps have been taken to prevent its recurrence. Self-audits coupled with “good faith” efforts to correct existing hazards will allow employers to avoid a potential willful violation and also can result in reduced penalties, according to the policy.