OSHA 3000-08R 2005
Employer Rights
and Responsibilities
Following an OSHA Inspection
Employers are responsible for providing a
safe and healthful workplace for their employ-
ees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and
health of America’s working men and women
by setting and enforcing standards; providing
training, outreach and education; establishing
partnerships; and encouraging continual
improvement in workplace safety and health.
This handbook provides a general overview of
a particular topic related to OSHA standards.
It does not alter or determine compliance re-
sponsibilities in OSHA standards or the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Because interpretations and enforcement pol-
icy may change over time, you should consult
current OSHA administrative interpretations
and decisions by the Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission and the Courts for
additional guidance on OSHA compliance
requirements.
This publication is in the public domain and
may be reproduced, fully or partially, without
permission. Source credit is requested but not
required.
This information is available to sensory im-
paired individuals upon request. Voice phone:
(202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number:
(877) 889-5627.
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA 3000-08R
2005
Employer Rights
and Responsibilities
Following an OSHA Inspection
2
Contents
After an OSHA Inspection...3
Types of Violations...4
Posting Requirements...7
Employer Options...7
How to Comply...8
Informal Conference and Settlement...9
How to Contest Citations...11
The Contest Process...12
Petition for Modification of
Abatement...13
What Employees Can Do...14
Follow-up Inspections and Failure
to Abate...14
Employer Discrimination...15
Providing False Information...15
OSHA Assistance...15
OSHA Regional Offices...21
Appendix: The Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
(SBREFA)...23
After an OSHA Inspection
This pamphlet contains important information
regarding your rights and responsibilities under