Name someone in your organization as the “point person” when an OSHA inspector comes to your door. That person needs to know where all company policies, procedures, and documents are located. For a carwash business with multiple shifts, it’s a good idea to train at least one or two managers to take on that role.
Ensure every employee completes the safety training required for their job function, as well as the general safety and security procedures that are unique to your carwash. This training needs to be up to date.
You are required by OSHA to conduct a hazard analysis for each type of job that will be performed in your carwash—from cashiers and office staff to workers operating machines and wiping down cars. You need to know what hazards exist for each job type and how to reduce their impact on employees.
Everything you need to know about OSHA regulations is available online or by calling OSHA. But sometimes things change. Keep up with changes by checking back with the site and making it a part of your normal business review. Also, be sure that an official OSHA poster describing employee rights is clearly displayed in your carwash.
Good records can allow an easy inspection instead of a difficult one. Keep careful records of all policies and procedures, as well as the training courses your employees have completed. Make sure employees sign their names, indicating that they understand the safety policies; and if you have non-English speaking employees, make sure you have documentation that proves they understood your safety training. Have all documents, including training records, workers’ compensation files, insurance information, third-party risk assessments, and personnel files, available for the OSHA inspector to review.
When an inspection happens, you might be caught off-guard. That’s why it is a good idea to have a few things set aside in an inspection kit to make the inspection easier on you. Your kit should include a pen, a notebook, a digital camera capable of taking video, measuring tools, and a flashlight. Your kit will allow you to follow the inspector and document their time at your carwash. This will make it easier to remember exactly what happened during the inspection, especially if you are not present for a part or all of it. If you’re not onsite, have a manager or a designated point person follow the inspector around.
Employers should consistently review paperwork to make sure everything is up to date and correct. They should also periodically check to ensure all required safety training has been administered and recorded. Scheduling periodic internal audits in which you walk through the facility and look for violations as if you were an OSHA inspector can also be an effective way of staying prepared and ensuring you are compliant.
When it comes to preparing for an OSHA inspection, there are a lot of things you can overlook. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with risk experts and conduct your own safety reviews regularly. Talk with your insurance provider about ways you can reduce your risk profile and better ensure your carwash is prepared for an inspection.