Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has AUSTIN UTILITIES had?

Accepted Answer

AUSTIN UTILITIES has been inspected 11 times by OSHA between Jan 16, 1986 and Jun 9, 2009, with 50 violations and $17,565 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does Minnesota's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA), covering both private and public sector workers. MNOSHA conducts inspections and enforces standards at least as effective as federal OSHA.

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 a Repeat violation under OSHA?

Accepted Answer

A Repeat violation is issued when an employer has been previously cited for a substantially similar condition within the past five years. Repeat violations carry penalties up to $165,514 per violation for 2025. OSHA checks the employer's inspection history across all establishments to determine whether a prior citation for a similar hazard exists.

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
1926.58COVID-19	6	$4,201
1910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus	4	$105
1926.652Excavations - Protection of Employees	3	$3,400
1926.651Excavations - Specific Excavation Requirements	3	$1,900
1910.134Respiratory Protection	2	$1,515
1910.303Electrical - General Requirements	2	$945
1926.556Aerial Tramways	2	$0
1910.304Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection	2	$630
1926.601Motor Vehicles	2	$228
1926.951Medical Services and First Aid (Electric Power)	2	$60

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#313421695	Jun 9, 2009	Planned	Complete	2	$2,500
#310112461	Jul 5, 2006	Planned	Complete	1	$560
#303470090	Jun 5, 2000	Planned	Complete	0	$0
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