STERLING, Va. So, you just got word OSHA is on its way to inspect your garage.

Well, dont panic.

And, you probably wont if youve prepare for such a visit long before it occurs.

Thats the word from safety consultant Jeff Patrunak of Daecher Consulting Group, who says operators need to know their rights during an OSHA investigation and have a comprehensive plan of action they can rely on before investigators arrive.

"It certainly can be stressful but dont panic and just keep your cool and act professional," he told operators at the sixth annual Safety Management Seminar conducted by the United Motorcoach Association.

Patrunak said investigators are most likely to show up soon after an accident that either resulted in a death, or hospitalization of at least three people, or after an employee has filed a safety hazard complaint with the federal agency.

He said a company can insist that investigators obtain a warrant before allowing them inside the garage, but he advises against taking such a step unless told to do so by the companys attorney because it only will irritate the inspectors.

"And theyre going to get inside anyways, so theres no need to upset them," he said.

Before their arrival, he recommends all employees be alerted to look around their work areas for possible safety issues and immediately correct any they might find.

While OSHA investigators are required to limit their work to the area under investigation, they are allowed to issue citations for unrelated violations that are in plain sight and can easily be seen.

"Take them directly to the area they need to see and do not allow them to wander around, either with you or on their own," he suggested.

To prevent inspectors from even seeing any other areas, he said one company draped curtains along the route they took to the scene of the investigation.

Patrunak said a companys action plan should include at least three designated employees to accompany the inspectors during the visit, including taking them to the area they need to examine.

One of the employees should be familiar enough with OSHA regulations and inspection procedures to be able to point out if the inspectors attempt to do something that is beyond the scope of their investigation. The second person should take detailed notes of everything the inspectors say, and the third should take photographs of everything the inspectors discuss or they believe might be considered important.

Patrunak warned, too, that employees should be careful not to say anything that could be considered an admission of guilt, including agreeing with any statements the inspectors might make about the incident they are investigating.

"And have someone immediately fix any small violations that might be noted so you show good faith," he said.