Written by Jared B. Caplan and Anne R. Yuengert from Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP on September 10, 2024
OSHA has a time limit on issuing citations. It must issue a citation within six months of the occurrence of any violation. The only exception to this rule is where the employer has concealed the violative condition or misled OSHA. If such a situation occurs, OSHA must issue the citation within six months from the date when OSHA learns, or should have known, of the condition.
So, the moral of the story is, just because it’s been a couple months since your OSHA inspection does not mean OSHA has decided not to issue a citation. You can check on the status of OSHA’s investigation by reviewing the OSHA establishment search page to see whether OSHA has closed its inspection or not.
