Which organization typically conducts inspections to ensure compliance with HAZWOPER regulations?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the organization primarily responsible for ensuring workplace safety and health regulations, including those related to hazardous waste operations under the HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) standards. OSHA conducts inspections to monitor compliance with safety regulations, thereby protecting workers from the potential hazards associated with handling hazardous materials.

OSHA's role includes enforcing regulations that relate to the safe operations of workers involved in hazardous waste management and emergency response operations. These inspections may evaluate whether employers have adequately trained personnel, provided proper safety equipment, and implemented appropriate safety protocols as mandated by HAZWOPER standards.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also plays a role in regulating hazardous waste and may conduct inspections pertaining to environmental compliance, its focus is more on environmental laws rather than direct worker safety. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials but does not conduct inspections specifically for HAZWOPER compliance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is involved in disaster response and recovery, but it does not focus on inspections related to occupational safety in hazardous waste operations. Therefore, the primary responsibility for HAZWOPER compliance inspections lies with OSHA.