Can OSHA shut down a jobsite? (2023)

What power does OSHA have?

The Standards-Setting Process OSHA has the authority to issue new or revised occupational safety and health standards.

Failure to provide adequate fall protection on jobsites consistently ranks at the top of the list for construction safety violations. In general, any work performed 6 feet or higher must have some form of guardrail system, safety net or personal arrest system in place.

When the OSHA compliance officer arrives, the company guard or receptionist should immediately escort the inspector to a comfortable waiting area and alert the pre-designated personnel of the inspector's arrival. First impressions are important. Don't keep the OSHA compliance officer waiting for longer than necessary.

OSHA sets enforcement policy and targeted inspection programs, and responds to fatalities, catastrophes and complaints.

Cal/OSHA has jurisdiction over almost every workplace in California. This means Cal/OSHA is the main government agency authorized to inspect California workplaces for occupational safety and health violations. Cal/OSHA lacks jurisdiction in only a few limited areas.

Anyone can file a workplace safety or health complaint with Cal/OSHA if they believe there is a violation of a safety or health standard, if there is any danger that threatens physical harm, or if an imminent hazard exists.

OSHA's maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $13,653 per violation to $14,502 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $136,532 per violation to $145,027 per violation. Visit the OSHA Penalties page for more information.

Willful violations are the most serious. The violation occurs when the employer knows there's a risk to employees and does nothing to resolve it.

OSHA officials can order work to stop if they find a severe risk on-site, but contrary to popular belief, they don't have the authority to shut down a business entirely. Only a court order can do that.

What triggers an OSHA investigation?

Imminent danger situations – hazards at your facility that could cause death or serious injury. If an inspector views potential issues driving past your location, or receives a tip of imminent danger, then expect a visit.

It's important to understand that OSHA has up to 6 months to issue citations once the initial inspection is completed. In most cases, citations will be mailed and issued within 1-2 months of the inspection, but we've seen citations arrive during the 5th month too, right up against the 6 month deadline.

Can an employee be fined by OSHA? No. OSHA does not fine employees for workplace and jobsite safety violations. It is the employer's duty to provide and ensure a safe and healthy working environment that complies with all OSHA standards.

OSHA officials can order work to stop if they find a severe risk on-site, but contrary to popular belief, they don't have the authority to shut down a business entirely. Only a court order can do that.

OSHA covers most private sector employers and employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions either directly through Federal OSHA or through an OSHA- approved state plan. State-run health and safety plans must be at least as effective as the Federal OSHA program.

Federal OSHA has no jurisdiction over State, municipal, or volunteer fire departments. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.