Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has APECS had?

Accepted Answer

APECS has been inspected 17 times by OSHA between Apr 10, 2002 and Jul 24, 2014, with 44 violations and $16,104 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What is OSHA's multi-employer citation policy in construction?

Accepted Answer

On construction sites with multiple contractors, OSHA can cite more than one employer for the same hazard. Under the multi-employer citation policy, four types of employers may be cited: the creating employer (whose actions created the hazard), the exposing employer (whose workers are exposed), the correcting employer (responsible for fixing the hazard), and the controlling employer (with general supervisory authority over the site). General contractors are frequently cited as controlling employers.

Question 3

What is a Serious violation under OSHA?

Accepted Answer

A Serious violation is cited when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard, and the employer knew or should have known about the condition. Serious violations carry mandatory penalties. For 2025, the maximum penalty for a serious violation is $16,550 per violation. The actual amount may be adjusted based on factors including employer size, good faith efforts, and violation history.

Question 4

What is an Other-than-Serious violation?

Accepted Answer

An Other-than-Serious violation is cited when a hazard exists that could cause injury or illness but would not likely result in death or serious physical harm. These violations carry a maximum penalty of $16,550 per violation for 2025, though penalties are discretionary and may be reduced to zero. Common examples include recordkeeping deficiencies and posting requirements.

Question 5

How does OSHA calculate penalty amounts?

Accepted Answer

OSHA sets initial penalty amounts based on the gravity of the violation (severity and probability of injury). Penalties are then adjusted based on three factors: employer size (smaller employers may receive reductions), good faith (employers with effective safety programs), and violation history (employers with no recent prior violations). Penalties may be further reduced through informal settlement conferences between the employer and the OSHA Area Director.

Question 6

What is a planned (programmed) OSHA inspection?

Accepted Answer

Planned inspections are part of OSHA's proactive enforcement strategy. OSHA selects workplaces for inspection based on objective criteria such as industry injury rates, participation in National or Local Emphasis Programs (NEPs/LEPs), or targeting of specific high-hazard industries. Being selected for a planned inspection does not indicate that OSHA has received a complaint or that a specific hazard has been reported.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)	6	$2,512
1926.451Scaffolding - General Requirements	6	$1,100
1926.701Concrete and Masonry Construction - General Requirements	3	$1,088
1926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)	3	$900
1926.100Head Protection (Construction)	3	$375
1926.28Personal Protective Equipment	3	$2,250
1926.501Fall Protection - Duty to Have Fall Protection	3	$1,125
1926.350Gas Welding and Cutting	3	$500
1926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)	3	$1,464
1926.50Medical Services and First Aid (Construction)	2	$0

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#339905770	Jul 24, 2014	Planned	Complete	1	$714
#339495509	Nov 19, 2013	Planned	Complete	3	$1,200
#339905762	Nov 19, 2013	Planned	Complete	0	$0
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APECS