What type of inspection is given top priority by OSHA?

Imminent Danger inspections are prioritized by OSHA because they address situations where there is a significant risk of serious injury or death in the workplace. This type of inspection responds to circumstances that pose an immediate threat to employee safety, requiring quick action to eliminate or mitigate the danger. Ensuring that workers are protected from potentially life-threatening conditions is paramount, making these inspections the highest priority within OSHA's enforcement efforts.

Routine Inspections typically occur as part of scheduled checks to ensure compliance with safety regulations but do not deal with immediate dangers. Programmed Inspections are planned based on criteria like high accident rates or specific industries, and while important, they are not as urgent as imminent dangers. Follow-up Inspections are conducted to ensure previously identified hazards have been adequately addressed, but they again lack the urgency associated with inspections responding to imminent threats.