What is the primary function of the OSHA Compliance Officer?

The primary function of the OSHA Compliance Officer is to inspect workplaces for safety compliance and enforce regulations. Compliance Officers play a critical role in ensuring that employers adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards, which are designed to protect the health and safety of employees. During inspections, they evaluate whether workplaces meet these standards and identify any potential hazards or violations. If they find non-compliance, they have the authority to issue citations and recommend penalties, thus contributing to safer work environments.

This role does not typically involve training employees on safety protocols or creating workplace safety policies, as these tasks are usually handled by employers or designated safety professionals within an organization. Additionally, while providing first aid and emergency response is essential in many workplace situations, it is not the primary function of the Compliance Officer, who focuses more on regulatory compliance and safety inspections rather than on direct health services.