A major component of the MOSH program, the Compliance unit is the enforcement arm of MOSH.  The Compliance unit is responsible for ensuring that employers meet their duty under the MOSH Act to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees. The Compliance unit is managed from its headquarters in Baltimore and maintains regional offices in Belair, Easton, Hagerstown, Laurel and a satellite office in Waldorf.  A telephone paging system in effect during evening and weekend hours ensures that Compliance staff are available around the clock to respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Trained safety inspectors and industrial hygienists conduct unannounced on-site inspections to identify hazardous conditions and secure their timely correction. By law, MOSH inspectors may enter any establishment without delay at any reasonable time to inspect the premises. The first inspection priority is the investigation of a fatality or catastrophe. Employers are required to report these accidents to MOSH within 8 hours. The next priority is serious accidents and valid employee complaints, followed by targeted industry inspections of high hazard industries, and finally, general schedule inspections.

Violations may result in the imposition of civil penalties for serious hazards. When warranted, cases are referred to the State's Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.