Key Terms and Definitions
Recognized Hazards: Although there is no formal definition, this term encompasses hazards that industry standards generally consider likely to cause death or serious injury. Examples include such things as unprotected exposure to chemical or biological hazardous materials, lack of back-up emergency lighting, or improperly used space heaters.
Covered Employing Offices: All offices of the House and Senate, including all committees and state district offices; joint committees of Congress; the Capitol Guide Service; the Capitol Police; the Congressional Budget Office; the Government Accountability Office; the Library of Congress; the Office of the Architect of the Capitol; the Office of the Attending Physician; and the Office of Compliance.
Request for Inspection: A formal request made with the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance to conduct an investigation and determine if an unsafe working condition exists. Requests for Inspection can be made by both covered employees and covered employing offices.
Complaint: A formal request by the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance for a hearing before an independent Hearing Officer to ask that an order be issued mandating the correction of an unsafe working condition. This request will only be made after a citation has been issued and the office responsible for the unsafe condition will not voluntarily correct it.
