Contractor License Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about OSHA inspections is false?

1. Employers can refuse an inspection.

2. Inspectors can enter the workplace without permission.

3. Employers have the right to see a compliance officer's credentials.

4. Employees have the right to request an inspection.

The correct answer is: Employers can refuse an inspection.

The statement that employers can refuse an inspection is false because, under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, employers cannot simply refuse an inspection. OSHA inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect workplaces to ensure compliance with safety regulations. In general, if an inspector shows up with a legitimate reason, such as a complaint or a random inspection, employers must allow access to their premises. While there are specific procedures for inspections that govern how they are conducted, outright refusal can lead to legal consequences for the employer. The other statements about OSHA inspections are accurate: inspectors do have the right to enter workplaces without prior consent in certain situations, employers are entitled to verify the credentials of compliance officers who are conducting inspections, and employees can indeed request inspections if they believe there are safety violations present. Each of these rights and processes is designed to ensure that workplace safety standards are maintained and that employees are protected from unsafe working conditions.