What is the required response time for an OSHA inspection after a complaint?

The required response time for an OSHA inspection after a complaint is critical for ensuring workplace safety, especially in urgent situations. When a complaint involves imminent dangers—situations that pose a significant risk of harm to employees—OSHA prioritizes these cases and mandates that an inspection must occur within 24 hours. This swift response is designed to protect workers by addressing immediate threats to their health and safety.

For less urgent complaints, OSHA has different time frames, which do not necessarily require inspections to be conducted as promptly. The emphasis on a 24-hour response time for imminent dangers highlights the agency's commitment to prioritize the welfare of workers, ensuring that threats are swiftly assessed and mitigated.