OSHA inspector

OSHA Boosts Number of Inspections in 2019

Dec. 3, 2019
Agency's efforts show an increase in enforcement and consultation activities.

Federal OSHA inspected a record number of employers in fiscal year (FY) 2019.

The number of inspections is more than what was completed in the past three years. Final statistics indicate a record number of compliance assistance requests as well.

“OSHA’s efforts – rulemaking, enforcement, compliance assistance and training – are tools to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” Loren Sweatt, OSHA principal deputy assistant secretary of labor, said in a statement. “I am proud of the diligent, hard work of all OSHA personnel who contributed to a memorable year of protecting our nation’s workers.”

The agency's enforcement activities are a result of an increased focus addressing violations including trenching, falls, chemical exposure, silica and other hazards. Federal investigators conducted 33,401 inspections in FY 2019. OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program, available at no cost to employers, identified 137,885 workplace hazards and protected an estimated 3.2 million workers from harm.

More than 1.3 million workers received training through OSHA's educational opportunities including the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Outreach Training Program and Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. 

About the Author

Stefanie Valentic

Stefanie Valentic was formerly managing editor of EHS Today, and is currently editorial director of Waste360.

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