What is the correct sequence of OSHA inspection priorities from highest to lowest?

• A. Imminent danger, Fatality/Catastrophe, Complaints and referrals, Programmed inspections
• B. Imminent danger, Complaints and referrals, Fatality/Catastrophe, Programmed inspections
• C. Programmed inspections, Imminent danger, Fatality/Catastrophe, Complaints and referrals
• D. Complaints and referrals, Imminent danger, Programmed inspections, Fatality/Catastrophe

Answer: (A)

OSHA prioritizes inspections by how urgent and severe the hazard is. The most urgent cases are imminent danger situations where a hazard could cause harm immediately, so inspectors respond quickly to stop unsafe work. Next are fatalities or catastrophes, because a death or major incident requires prompt investigation to determine causes and prevent recurrence. After that come complaints and referrals; these come from workers or the public and indicate potential hazards but aren’t guaranteed to be imminent threats, so they’re addressed once higher-priority issues are handled. The lowest priority is programmed inspections, which are planned, routine checks based on risk factors and history rather than an immediate danger. Therefore the correct order from highest to lowest is imminent danger, fatality/catastrophe, complaints and referrals, programmed inspections.