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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-inspection-top-priority

Which kind of OSHA inspection gets the very top priority?

Imminent danger situations come first.

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  1. Imminent danger situations ✔
  2. Follow-up inspections
  3. Targeted high-hazard industries

Why: OSHA ranks inspections. Hazards that could cause death or serious harm right away come first, then severe injury reports, then worker complaints, referrals, targeted and follow-up inspections.

Huh, didn't know that: Workers may ask for anonymity when they file complaints that lead to inspections.

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References

Answer: Imminent danger situations. OSHA ranks inspections. Hazards that could cause death or serious harm right away come first, then severe injury reports, then worker complaints, referrals, targeted and follow-up inspections.

  1. OSHA Inspections fact sheet (osha.gov) www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-inspections.pdf
    hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm receive top priority.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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