What authority does OSHA have regarding places of employment?

The authority of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) primarily involves the ability to inspect and investigate any place of employment to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. This means OSHA officials can enter workplaces without prior notice to evaluate conditions and determine whether employers are following safety standards as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Through inspections, OSHA aims to identify hazards, provide guidance, and ensure that the workplace is free from serious recognized hazards.

While the agency does have enforcement powers, including issuing citations or fines for violations, its primary role emphasizes proactive inspection and investigation rather than direct punitive measures like arresting individuals or stopping work outright without due process. Therefore, the focus on inspection represents a critical function of OSHA's mission to maintain safe and healthy working conditions.