What is the key purpose of the OSHA inspection process?

The key purpose of the OSHA inspection process is to promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with safety regulations. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, conducts inspections to verify that employers are following the standards set to protect the health and safety of employees. This proactive approach helps identify hazards in the workplace before they lead to accidents or injuries. OSHA inspections can also lead to citations and penalties if violations are found, which serves as a deterrent for unsafe practices and encourages employers to prioritize safety measures.

The other choices do not align with OSHA's primary mission. Providing financial assistance is outside OSHA's scope, as its focus is on enforcement of safety regulations rather than financial support. Investigating accidents only when they occur is too limited, as OSHA inspects workplaces not just in response to incidents, but regularly to prevent them. Lastly, recruiting new employees is not a function of OSHA; the agency is dedicated to regulatory compliance and safeguarding labor standards in the construction and other industries. The emphasis on workplace safety is what makes the first choice the correct answer.