Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried
Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried
Hey Store Manager! Mike here on "Smoke Break." Today we're talking OSHA inspections - something that makes many managers nervous. But here's the thing: if you're doing things right every day, an inspection is just a chance to show off your good work.
Think about your store right now. Could an OSHA inspector walk in and find everything up to standard? If you're not sure, let's fix that. Because the best time to prepare for an inspection is before you know it's coming.
First up - your documentation. OSHA loves paperwork, and they want to see it organized. Keep your safety training records, incident reports, and safety data sheets in order. Create a system that lets you find any document quickly. Nothing makes an inspector more suspicious than fumbling through papers.
Your facility needs constant attention. Walk your store daily looking for safety issues. Those boxes blocking the emergency exit? That's a violation. Extension cord running across a walkway? That's another one. Cleaning supplies without proper labels? You guessed it - violation.
Your team needs to know what to do during an inspection. Teach them to be honest and professional with inspectors. Don't coach them on what to say - that looks suspicious. Instead, make sure they understand safety procedures so well they can explain them naturally.
Keep your emergency equipment ready. Fire extinguishers need monthly checks. First aid kits should be fully stocked. Emergency lights must work. Document these checks - OSHA will want to see the records.
Question: Why is it important to have employees explain safety procedures in their own words rather than memorizing a script?
Think about it. The answer? Natural explanations show real understanding of safety procedures, which is what OSHA really wants to see. Scripted answers suggest employees might not actually understand the procedures they're following.
Your action item for this week: Do a mock OSHA inspection of your store. Use an official inspection checklist (you can find one on OSHA's website). Document everything you find and create a plan to fix any issues.
Before you go, hit that subscribe button for more "Smoke Break" episodes. Share these tips with other managers - we all benefit from better safety practices.
For more resources on running a compliant store, visit cstorethrive.com.
That's it for today, Store Manager. Keep your store safe, your team trained, and your documentation ready. When OSHA shows up, you'll be glad you did!
