What OSHA inspection data covers
OSHA's Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) contains records of every workplace inspection conducted since OSHA was established in 1971. For each inspection, the record includes: the establishment name and address, the inspection date and type, the number and type of violations found, the penalties assessed, and the final disposition.
This data is publicly available and updated regularly. For buyers evaluating contractors, construction firms, manufacturers, or logistics companies, an OSHA inspection history is one of the most direct signals of how a vendor manages worker safety in practice.
What OSHA covers: OSHA has jurisdiction over most private-sector employers in the US. Some industries (mining, nuclear) fall under separate agencies. Federal employees are covered by a different OSHA process. State-plan states (like California, Washington, Michigan) have their own OSHA agencies that publish separate data.
Types of OSHA inspections
| Inspection type | What triggers it |
|---|---|
| Programmed | Routine inspection selected based on industry targeting, high-hazard worksites, or site-specific programs |
| Unprogrammed — Complaint | Worker or third party filed a formal complaint about a hazard |
| Unprogrammed — Referral | Another agency or OSHA office referred the site for inspection |
| Unprogrammed — Accident | Workplace fatality, hospitalization, or severe injury triggered the inspection |
| Follow-up | Verifying that prior violations were corrected |
Violation types — what they mean
When OSHA finds a violation, it is classified by severity. The classification matters significantly when interpreting a vendor's safety record:
| Violation type | Definition | Max penalty (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Willful | Employer knew about the hazard and intentionally did nothing, or showed plain indifference to safety | $156,259 per violation |
| Repeat | Same or substantially similar violation found within the past 5 years | $156,259 per violation |
| Serious | Hazard that could cause death or serious physical harm, and employer knew or should have known | $15,625 per violation |
| Other Than Serious | Violation directly related to safety but not likely to cause death or serious injury | $15,625 per violation |
| De Minimis | Minor violation with no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health; no penalty | No penalty |
How to interpret inspection history
A single inspection with an Other Than Serious violation does not indicate a systemic problem. What matters for vendor risk assessment is pattern — the frequency, type, and trend of violations over time.
Key questions to ask when reviewing OSHA data:
- Are there Willful or Repeat violations? These indicate deliberate or systematic non-compliance
- Were inspections triggered by an accident or complaint? Accident-triggered inspections carry more weight than programmed ones
- Were violations contested by the employer? Extensive litigation can indicate a contentious relationship with regulators
- Is the frequency of inspections increasing or decreasing? A rising trend suggests deteriorating conditions
- Were penalties paid or reduced? Significant penalty reductions via informal settlement may indicate cooperation — or may not
OSHA data is facility-level, not company-level
OSHA inspections are conducted at specific establishments — physical worksites. The name on an OSHA record is the establishment name, which may differ from the legal entity name. A large contractor may have dozens of establishment records across different project sites.
This means OSHA data needs to be interpreted at the facility level first, then aggregated to understand the broader pattern for the legal entity. KnowVendor surfaces OSHA inspection records linked to facilities, which in turn are linked to the parent legal entity where the relationship can be confirmed. See the facility risk guide for more on how facility-level data connects to vendor identity.
Industries where OSHA data is most relevant
OSHA data is a primary risk signal for vendors in:
- Construction — highest rate of fatal injuries of any industry
- Manufacturing — machinery, chemical, and process hazards
- Transportation and warehousing — loading, material handling, vehicle hazards
- Agriculture — equipment, chemical, and heat exposure risks
- Healthcare — bloodborne pathogens, ergonomics, workplace violence
For a complete vendor risk picture across these industries, combine OSHA data with FMCSA data (for carriers), SAM exclusion check, and the full due diligence checklist.