OSHA Legal Aspects of Safety and Health - Essay Example

Running Head: DISCUSSIONS IN THE OPENING CONFERENCE Discussions in the Opening Conference Module: Lecturer: The opening conference offers a chance for OSHA inspector and the safety and health or environmental manager to interact in respect to various issues regarding inspection. It offers a platform where they are able to introduce themselves and share vital information that facilitates easy completion of the inspection. The two parties go through the laid out programs and policies in the firm, injury data and other related records which the employer is supposed to be keeping.

The conference happens after the compliance officer has identified him/herself (OSHA, 2011). They are supposed to inform the manager of the scope of their inspection and criteria followed to select the firm. They are also supposed to specify the standards that are to apply and the general purpose. They should also offer information on how the manager can access a copy of applicable standards and then asks to be given an employer representative who will attend the inspection; an employee representative may also accompany them in case there is a safety committee in place (OSHA, 2011).

In case there are some issues between the management and the employees then separate opening conferences are initiated. On the other hand the employer has the right to reduce or expand the scope but under reasonable grounds where the officer should in turn inform them on their responsibilities and obligations as the employer. References OSHA (2011). Discussions in the opening conference. Retrieved 18 Jan. 2011 from, http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9690