We have had numerous OSHA inspectors in our facilities. They were not to concerned with easily moved items, like wheeled trash barrells, etc, they said it would be a de minimus vilolation . We too have some problems with employees placing things in front of the panels. They have now started to mark the floor with yellow caution type tape to let employees know not to block the area.
I guess it really depends on the OSHA inspector. Some inspectors may not know too much about electrical requirements, so they may bypass this issue all together.
Too add: OSHA does cite employeers for storing materials in front of panels. I know many retailers that were fined in excess of $5k just for blocking panels.
