Will OSHA ask to see a facility’s “self audit” or “self inspection” records to use against that facility during an inspection?

OSHA has never officially stated that they will not use self-audits. However, in a final policy published in the Federal Register (65:46498-46503), OSHA stated that the Agency will not “routinely” request to see self-audit reports at the initiation of an inspection, and the Agency will not use self-audit reports as a means of identifying hazards upon which to focus during an inspection.

OSHA has also stated that where a voluntary self-audit identifies a hazardous condition, and the employer has corrected the condition prior to the inspection and taken appropriate steps to prevent recurrence, the Agency will refrain from issuing a citation, even if the violative condition existed within the six months limitations period during which OSHA is authorized to issue citations.