Regulatory Investigation & Response Flashcards
7 cards from real SSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Regulatory Investigation & Response flashcards as text
An OSHA compliance officer requests to conduct an inspection without advance notice. What authority does OSHA have in this situation?
Answer: OSHA can conduct warrantless inspections of regulated workplaces with probable cause or voluntary consent
Under Marshall v. Barlow's Inc., OSHA must obtain a warrant if consent is refused, but consent-based or probable-cause warrantless inspections are permitted.
A corrective action plan submitted to a regulatory agency should include which core components?
Answer: Root cause analysis, specific corrective measures, responsible parties, and target completion dates
Effective corrective action plans must address root cause, define specific fixes, assign accountability, and set measurable timelines for completion.
During a multi-agency investigation involving OSHA and the EPA, who typically leads the investigation?
Answer: The agency whose jurisdictional statute was primarily violated
Multi-agency investigations are typically led by the agency with primary jurisdictional authority over the core violations at issue.
What is the purpose of an 'informal conference' in the OSHA citation process?
Answer: To allow employers to discuss citations with the area director before the contest period expires
An informal conference allows employers to meet with the OSHA area director to discuss citations, penalties, and abatement timelines before the 15-day contest deadline.
Under the Clean Air Act Section 112(r), facilities must develop a Risk Management Plan (RMP) when they exceed threshold quantities of listed substances. What does the RMP's worst-case scenario analysis require?
Answer: Modeling a release assuming all active mitigation systems fail
The worst-case scenario analysis assumes the largest single vessel failure with no active mitigation, modeling the maximum potential impact on the surrounding population.
An investigator receives an anonymous tip alleging workplace safety fraud. What is the recommended first step?
Answer: Conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the allegation has sufficient specificity and plausibility to warrant investigation
Anonymous tips require an initial credibility assessment to determine whether the information is specific and plausible enough to justify opening a formal investigation.
Which document establishes the legal authority and scope of a regulatory investigator's inspection powers?
Answer: The agency's enabling statute and corresponding regulations
Regulatory investigators derive their authority from the enabling statute passed by Congress and the implementing regulations promulgated by the agency.