OSHA compliance is a must for companies that care about workplace safety and health and want to avoid fines. With new requirements in 2025, employers need a clear way to stay on track.
That includes proper training, inspections, safety records, and updated written programs. Without a checklist, it’s easy to miss something important.
In this article, you’ll learn what to check, what’s required, and how to keep your OSHA compliance up to date.
What is OSHA Standard Compliance?
OSHA standard compliance means complying with the rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These rules help organizations protect workers from injuries, health hazards, and unsafe conditions.
In 2025, updated requirements focus more on real-time inspections, training, and keeping safety programs active. To stay compliant, employers need to meet specific requirements tied to their industry, document everything, and take daily action to manage workplace safety.
OSHA standards cover areas like:
- Training – Teach workers how to stay safe on the job.
- Personal protective equipment – Provide and maintain the right gear.
- Workplace hazards – Identify and fix safety risks.
- Written programs – Keep safety plans updated.
- Inspections – Inspect equipment and processes often.
- Records – Maintain reports and safety logs.
- Emergency plans – Be ready for fire, chemical spills, or evacuation.
The Quick OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist
OSHA expects employers to move beyond one-time reviews and build regular inspection habits into daily operations. The list below covers nine key areas that should be reviewed often.
1. Conduct a Workplace Safety Audit
Start with a full walk-through of your site. Look for problems tied to electrical, mechanical, chemical, and environmental risks. Check all work areas, storage rooms, common spaces, and machinery zones.
Review past injury reports, safety meeting notes, and any written concerns from employees. Take photos, document findings, and set dates to resolve what’s found. Things to check:
- Walkways and exits
- Machine guards and emergency stops
- Chemical storage
- Fall protection setups
- First-aid kits and eye wash stations
2. Update Written Safety Programs
A safety program is only useful if it reflects how the company works today. That means reviewing and revising written documents regularly. Make sure your emergency plans, fire response steps, and hazard communication practices are up to date.
If your health program covers multiple sites or departments, each section should reflect the risks and responsibilities specific to that group. Key documents to review:
- Emergency action plan
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Hazard communication program
- Job hazard assessments
3. Provide Proper Employee Training
Employers should ensure safety on the job. That starts with onboarding and continues through scheduled refreshers. Training should cover how to use personal protective equipment, report issues, and respond to emergencies.
Keep attendance logs and dates for every session. If new equipment or procedures are added, offer updated instructions right away. Include in your training:
- Site-specific hazards
- Use and care of PPE
- Fire and chemical safety
- How to report hazards or near misses
4. Inspect and Maintain Personal Protective Equipment
PPE only works if it fits, is worn properly, and is in good condition. During inspections, check for damage, expiration, or misuse.
Workers should be issued the right gear for the job and shown how to wear it. Damaged or worn-out gear must be replaced right away. Examples of PPE to check:
- Hard hats
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Respirators
- Protective clothing
5. Label and Store Health Hazard Materials
All chemicals should be labeled clearly and stored based on their type. You need updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and a system to organize them. Make sure employees can access them during their shift. Containers must show what they hold and how to handle them safely.
Improper labeling and poor storage can lead to exposure, spills, and violations. Your checklist should include:
- SDS book available and current
- Chemical labels intact and readable
- Spill kits nearby
- Flammable storage cabinets where needed
6. Maintain Accurate OSHA Records
Every injury, illness, and near miss matters. Recordkeeping isn’t optional. Employers must complete forms like OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 when required. These reports summarize trends and identify hazards, which helps your team prevent future injuries.
Make sure the records are stored in a secure but accessible location and kept for the required number of years. What to track:
- Injury and illness logs
- Training records
- Inspection results
- Corrective actions
7. Post Required OSHA Notices
Some notices must be visible to all workers by law. The main one is the “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” poster, but your state may require more. Put these in break rooms, near punch clocks, or other spots where everyone passes through.
Check that the posters are:
- Current (not outdated versions)
- Not covered or blocked
- Available in English and other languages spoken by your team
8. Prepare for OSHA Inspections
Don’t wait for a knock on the door. Know who will greet the inspector, where your documents are kept, and how to walk them through the site. Assign a main contact and a backup. Train them to stay calm, answer clearly, and take notes during the visit.
Your prep list should include:
- A copy of your safety and health program
- Training records and OSHA logs
- Incident reports
- Inspection checklists
- Emergency contact list
9. Follow Industry-Specific OSHA Standards
Not all safety rules apply the same way. Construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare each have their own OSHA standards. Review the standards tied to your NAICS code and update your program accordingly.
Examples:
- Construction – Fall protection, scaffolding, and electrical safety
- Warehousing – Forklifts, stacking, hazard communication
- Manufacturing – Machine guarding, lockout/tagout, noise exposure
Handle Every Compliance Requirement With EHS Momentum
Following OSHA standards is easier when the right system supports your team. EHS Momentum’s tool, MyMomentum, helps you manage safety tasks, keep records in order, and stay inspection-ready.
It works alongside your checklist by keeping every step organized:
- Inspections – Assign, complete, and track safety and equipment inspections
- Training – Log sessions, track deadlines, and maintain proof for OSHA review
- PPE and hazards – Manage gear, label hazard materials, and document risks
- Records – Maintain OSHA logs, incident reports, and corrective actions in one place
- Alerts – Get notified when items are overdue or requirements are missed
- Multi-site view – See what’s happening at every site, in real time
One missed inspection can lead to real problems. Book a demo to see how MyMomentum helps you stay ready, accurate, and fully documented!
FAQs About OSHA Compliance Checklist
What is required for OSHA compliance?
To comply with OSHA, employers must implement a safety and health program, train employees, maintain accurate records, and follow all applicable standards. They must perform regular inspections, provide personal protective equipment, and verify that hazards are corrected. The presence of clear documentation, written programs, and active safety measures is required across each facility.
What is an OSHA checklist?
An OSHA checklist is a tool used to verify that all required safety measures, procedures, and records are in place and followed. It helps employers identify gaps, correct risks, and stay in line with OSHA rules across inspections, training, and hazard controls.
What are the five major inspection priorities of OSHA?
OSHA inspection priorities are: imminent danger, fatalities or catastrophes, worker complaints, referrals, and targeted inspections. These priorities guide where OSHA focuses its resources to protect workers and prevent serious incidents.
How to prove OSHA compliance?
Employers must present current safety records, written programs, training logs, and completed inspection checklists. To prove compliance, they must show how they follow OSHA criteria, answer questions clearly, and provide documentation during inspections. Having effective systems in place shows the benefits of active compliance and gives OSHA the information needed to confirm that safety rules are being followed. Clear guidance and preparation reduce violations and support a safer workplace.
