KRS 338.101: Authority of commissioner.

(1) In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the commissioner or the

commissioner's authorized representative shall have the authority:

(a) To enter without delay and advance notice any place of employment during

regular working hours and at other r easonable times in order to inspect such

places, question privately any such employer, owner, operator, agent,

employee, or employee's representative, and investigate such facts, conditions,

practices, or matters deemed appropriate to determine the cause o f, or to

prevent the occurrence of, any occupational injury or illness.

(b) To administer oaths, take depositions, conduct hearings, take photographs,

review any and all accident and illness records, and secure any other evidence

deemed necessary to evalua te any occupational safety and health hazard in

order to ascertain whether any person has violated any provision of this

chapter or regulations issued pursuant thereto.

(2) If an employer refuses such entry, then the commissioner may apply to the Franklin

Circuit Court for an order to enforce the right of entry.