Will OSHA ask to see a facility’s self-inspection records 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, 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.

OSHA also issued a press release dated October 6, 1999, which confirmed this policy.