When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) arrives at a linen, uniform and facility services plant for an inspection, knowing the agency’s rules for the industry is critical to minimizing any disruption in the flow of production. OSHA sometimes targets laundry operators because not all companies make safety a top priority, and the risks of moving machinery, wash chemicals and ergonomic hazards can lead to serious incidents. An employee complaint also can trigger an inspection of virtually any plant.

Below are some practical tips for dealing with each phase of an OSHA inspection. Following these steps can help you ...