Recently, one of our clients received a phone call from someone who implied they were calling on behalf of OSHA. The caller told our client they were required to visit a website and complete a “risk assessment”. They were insistent that our client do this as soon as possible to “remain compliant” and that they could face penalties if they did not. Fortunately, our client contacted us before taking any action.
After looking into the situation, one of our safety experts discovered that the caller was not from OSHA, but rather a consultant with a private company offering OSHA-related services.
Unfortunately, OSHA scams are becoming more common. While there are many reputable safety consultants who help businesses improve workplace safety, no company should create the impression that they represent OSHA or that businesses are legally required to purchase or use their services.
What OSHA Does and Doesn’t Do
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency responsible for establishing and enforcing workplace safety and health standards.
OSHA does not randomly call businesses and require them to:
- Register on a private company’s website.
- Complete a third-party risk assessment.
- Purchase consulting services to remain compliant.
- Make immediate decisions under the threat of penalties.
If OSHA needs to communicate with your business regarding an inspection, citation, or compliance matter, those communications follow established procedures – not high-pressure sales tactics.
Warning Signs of a Misleading Sales Call
Be cautious if a caller:
- Claims OSHA requires immediate action.
- Pressures you to register on a specific website.
- Suggests you’ll face fines or penalties if you don’t act immediately.
- Avoids clearly identifying themselves as a private company.
- Creates a sense of urgency to prevent you from asking questions or verifying information.
Pressure is a common sales tactic. It is not how legitimate regulatory agencies conduct business.
An official Compliance Safety and Health Officer from OSHA is not allowed to sell any products or services, and they are not allowed to collect any penalty money at the time of inspection. Official Compliance Officers from OSHA will always present credentials and they will never try to sell you anything or ask for money.
What You Should Do
If you receive a call that doesn’t seem right:
- Ask for the caller’s full name, company, and contact information.
- Clarify whether they are calling from OSHA or a private organization.
- Do not provide company information or register for anything while on the call.
- Verify any compliance claims through OSHA’s official resources or with a trusted safety advisor.
Impersonating an official Compliance Safety and Health Officer from OSHA is a crime. If you suspect someone of attempting to impersonate an OSHA inspector, you should contact law enforcement..
If you work with Exceed Safety (or even if you aren’t yet a client), give us a call before taking action. We’re happy to help determine whether a request is legitimate or simply an convincing OSHA scam meant to take your money.
Our Commitment as Safety Professionals
Unfortunately, confusing or misleading sales tactics can cause unnecessary stress and may lead businesses to spend time and money on services they don’t actually need. Our goal isn’t simply to help businesses stay compliant – it’s to help them make informed decisions
If someone contacts your organization claiming an OSHA requirement that doesn’t sound right, don’t hesitate to verify it before responding. A few minutes of due diligence can save a great deal of frustration.
If you ever have questions about an OSHA-related phone call, email, or request, our team is here to help. We’d much rather answer a quick question than see someone pressured into making a decision based on misleading information.
Staying informed is an important part of staying safe.
JULY 2026
