The Department of Labor has announced a proposal to revise regulations around workplace inspections. The proposed rule clarifies that employees may authorize an employee as a representative, or they may authorize a non-employee third party if the compliance officer determines the third party is reasonably necessary to conduct an effective and thorough inspection.
The proposed changes also clarify that third-party representatives are not limited to industrial hygienists or safety engineers, two examples included in the existing regulation. Third-party representatives may be reasonably necessary because they have skills, knowledge or experience that may help inform the compliance officer's inspection. This information may include experience with particular hazards, workplace conditions or language skills that can improve communications between Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) representatives and workers.