Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction (STSC) Practice Exam

What is the role of the OSHA Compliance Officer during an inspection?

1. To enforce company policies

2. To report violations to the media

3. To ensure compliance with safety regulations

4. To conduct employee performance evaluations

The correct answer is: To ensure compliance with safety regulations

The role of the OSHA Compliance Officer during an inspection is fundamentally centered on ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This includes assessing a workplace's adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, identifying any potential hazards, and determining whether the employer is meeting their legal obligations to provide a safe working environment. During an inspection, the Compliance Officer evaluates the conditions present at the site, examines records, interviews employees, and documents findings. If violations are observed, the officer will typically document these and may recommend corrective actions to protect workers, thereby directly contributing to workplace safety. This ensures that the primary mission of OSHA – to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for all workers – is upheld. In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately reflect the Compliance Officer's responsibilities. Enforcing company policies or conducting employee evaluations is not part of the officer’s mandate, as their focus is on federal safety standards rather than internal company governance or employee performance. Reporting violations to the media would also contradict the professional standards and confidentiality typically maintained during inspections.