November 13, 2025
OSHA doesn’t always call ahead.
No heads-up. No appointment. Just, “We’re here. Let’s review your documentation and take a look around.”
In fact, half the time OSHA investigates a practice, it’s unannounced.
Aside from a random investigation, if anyone in your practice issues a complaint about the work environment or if someone is seriously injured, it’s common for OSHA to conduct an investigation.
Take a deep breath! With proactive compliance and an understanding of the investigation process, you can pass with flying colors, keeping your staff safe.
What’s an OSHA Investigation?
OSHA inspections are routine visits to make sure workplaces are following safety rules.
OSHA will target high-risk workplaces, like construction, manufacturing, and, you guessed it, healthcare.
When work-related illnesses and injuries in the healthcare industry surpass other fields, it’s no wonder that healthcare is a priority for OSHA.
The OSHA official will begin with an opening conference to explain their purpose and the scope of their review.
After that, they’ll do a walk-through of your practice and look over your documentation to confirm your safety measures are in place. This can include checking for basics like eye wash stations and accessible fire extinguishers. Your OSHA materials, including risk assessments, SDS library, policies, procedures, and other relevant documents, should be organized and easily accessible to staff.
The OSHA investigator can and will also interview staff. Like a pop quiz, your staff must be trained and ready to answer any questions at any time about safety precautions. While being quizzed on OSHA training might not be as fun as being on Jeopardy!, being aware and confident of your practice’s proactive compliance will save your practice from ‘doubling down’ on a massive fine.
After a review, a closing conference will be held to review results and next steps.
So, what’s after an OSHA Investigation?
If everything goes well, hopefully it’s nothing!
However, OSHA can and will fine practices found with violations. When the minimum cost of a fine is over a thousand dollars, these violations can quickly add up. In fact, depending on the situation, OSHA fines can cost over $160,000 a violation! Additionally, it can become public record that your practice failed an OSHA audit. OSHA will likely place you on a corrective action plan, ensuring your practice takes the necessary precautions to keep your staff safe.
How can I get OSHA Compliant Today?
OSHA penalties don’t just sting your budget — they can hurt your reputation, too. But the real reason to stay on top of OSHA isn’t the fine, it’s your people. Protecting your team from preventable injuries and exposures should always come first; avoiding penalties is just the nice side effect.
While compliance may feel complicated, it doesn’t have to be that way with the right solution. Smart software can analyze your practice’s compliance standings, offer recommendations, dynamically generate documentation, provide thorough training, and more to ensure your staff is safe every day in your office.
Schedule a meeting with a compliance expert to learn more about OSHA compliance in your practice.
