Our vision is a Commonwealth where preventable workplace injuries and illnesses are eliminated. To accomplish this, we perform inspections to promote effective health and safety in the Commonwealth's public sector. To bring long-term change to fruition, we educate and support workers, employers, advocates and decision-makers in health and safety standards which protect workers from preventable harm, and in the methods necessary to ensure that these standards are followed in the workplace.
Inspection priorities
Inspections are conducted based on the following (in order of priority):
- Imminent danger conditions
- Accident and fatality investigations
- High-hazard activities as evidenced by worker's compensation rates
- Complaints and referrals (may not result in site inspection)
- Follow-up inspections
- Random programmed inspections
Warnings or penalties?
A Civil Citation is issued when a violation of an OSHA regulation is identified during an onsite inspection. The citation will contain an order to correct the violation by a correction due date. Extensions may be granted if the employer can show diligent progress towards the correction and interim measures have been put in place to protect the employees. DLS may issue civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation of a regulation.