OSHA Compliance Officers (CO) are human too.

However, I think the employer would do better to talk to the compliance officer directly. A lot of times the CO doesn't realize that he/she has his tape measure at an angle. Usually the CO is new to the site, and especially on construction sites, its hard to keep track of who is doing what and where things are going.

In my opinion the proper response would be to point out the mistake and help the CO get his or her job done as quickly as possible. When you create a good working relationship with the government representative, who is really a guest on your site, you make it easier find any problems and to fix them as soon as possible. Making a friend with the CO is a good idea by the way...

Plus, you don't waste all of your money on a lawyer, and the governments scarce resources on the hourly fee for the D.A. who has to represent OSHA.

Chris Z
OSHA Compliance Officer- 13 years
Chris Z
OSHA Compliance Officer

PS
I always recomend that the employer take photos, I'll even show them what to take a pic of, just in case my camera fails, I'll secure theirs

Be safe out there, you'll likely live longer

So you got a slap on the wrist, The important thing is you may possible saved several lives that day , Like you said, an hour later and they may have had the coroner on site.