When is it prohibited to give advance notice of an inspection?

Advance notice of an inspection is prohibited in the case of all employee complaints to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the inspection process. This prohibition helps to prevent any potential tampering or alteration of conditions that could occur if an employer were forewarned. Inspections prompted by employee complaints are designed to uncover actual workplace violations or unsafe conditions, and giving advance notice could allow employers to hide deficiencies or correct issues that led to the complaint before the inspectors arrive.

By maintaining this standard, regulatory agencies ensure that environments are assessed under normal operating conditions, thereby increasing the reliability of the inspection findings and promoting a safe and compliant workplace.