22 OSHA Inspections and Enforcement
22.1 During an Inspection
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The superintendent greets the compliance officer, verifies credentials, notifies 3F management immediately, and accompanies the officer at all times (or designates another supervisor)
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Employees may authorize a representative — including a non-employee third party — to accompany the compliance officer during the walkaround (OSHA walkaround rule, effective May 31, 2024)
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Provide documents that are required to be produced (300 logs, written programs); take parallel photos/notes of anything the officer documents; correct simple hazards on the spot
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Employees have the right to speak privately with the compliance officer; no one may retaliate for participation
22.2 2026 Civil Penalty Levels
| Violation Type | Maximum Penalty (2026) |
|---|---|
| Serious | $16,550 per violation |
| Other-than-serious | $16,550 per violation |
| Posting requirements | $16,550 per violation |
| Failure to abate | $16,550 per day beyond the abatement date |
| Willful or repeated | $165,514 per violation |
Note: 2025 penalty amounts remained in effect for 2026 because the October 2025 CPI data needed for the annual inflation adjustment was not produced. Amounts are expected to rise again in 2027 — check osha.gov/penalties for current figures.