STERLING, Va. "OSHA is here."

Those three words can strike horrible fear in the mind of a motorcoach operator.

But, if an operator is prepared and keeps up with the regulations of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, then he or she should have little to worry about.

"Were not there to take up your whole day," said Paul Schilinski, regional director of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, which enforces OSHA rules in Virginia. "We just want to go in, get information and be on our way."

Schilinski, who appeared recently at a United Motorcoach Association Safety Management Seminar, said the key to getting safely through an OSHA visit is to always be prepared.

Operators not only should have someone in their operation who keeps up with the rules, but all employees should be keenly aware of the regulations that affect them, including the proper handling of fuel, chemicals, tools and equipment.

In addition, companies should encourage employees to report any possible violations to their supervisors so the situations can be corrected before they cause an accident or lead to a violation and possible fine.

"Hopefully you have a good enough relationship with your employees that theyll come and talk to you about any safety concerns," Schilinski said. "They should be comfortable enough to tell you the same thing theyre going to be telling me."

OSHA, or state safety and health officials, generally visit businesses randomly or after they receive a complaint, often times from a disgruntled employee.

Their visits typically consist of an opening conference where the purpose of the visit is discussed with management, a walk-around inspection that includes confidential interviews with employees, and a closing conference where preliminary findings are discussed.

Schilinski said companies often are given time to address problems and if a violation is issued, fines are frequently reduced substantially if it is a first-time offense, the company is cooperative, and the violation is corrected quickly.

However, he warned that serious violations, especially those involving injuries or death or are potential health hazards, can lead to hefty penalties and possible court appearances.

Schilinski said motorcoach operators concerned about the regulations or a possible inspection can ask for an informal conference with OSHA or state officials to discuss any concerns they may have.

Additionally, he said, if a company has questions about violations or procedures after an inspection, company personnel should ask to meet with the agency that conducted the inspection.

"If you have questions, ask," he emphasized.

While OSHA has no special categories for motorcoach garages and therefore no specific data on inspections, it does keep tabs on violations found at automobile repair shops, and the agency considers those closely related to bus maintenance facilities.

Schilinski said that in the past year, the most violations found at garages were for not having required information available on the use and storage of hazardous materials, the lack of protective guards on power equipment, the use of respiratory safety devices, bad electrical wiring, cutting and welding equipment, and unworkable or missing fire extinguishers.

"Those are the typical violations we would expect to find in a motorcoach garage as well," he suggested.

Schilinski said the auto repair shops also had a number of violations for "general duty" or failing to provide employees with a workplace free of hazardous that could cause serious injury or death.