When Does Cal/OSHA Perform an Inspection?

Cal/OSHA’s inspection program targets workplaces with a likelihood of health and safety hazards and/or standards violations. Due to constitutional limitations on government searches and seizures, the agency must have reasonable cause to conduct an inspection. However, courts have granted Cal/OSHA broad discretion in determining reasonable cause.

Cal/OSHA inspects a workplace when:

• An employer reports a fatality or serious injury or illness;
• An employee complains;
• Issuing a permit requires a follow-up inspection;