Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has BENCHMARK FOAM, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

BENCHMARK FOAM, INC. has been inspected 6 times by OSHA between Aug 15, 1991 and Feb 27, 2017, with 2 violations and $12,471 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

South Dakota operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction for private-sector employers. Federal OSHA conducts all workplace safety inspections and enforcement directly.

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

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 5

What triggers an OSHA follow-up inspection?

Accepted Answer

OSHA conducts follow-up inspections to verify that previously cited hazards have been corrected by the abatement deadline. Follow-ups may also verify that new safety programs or procedures required by earlier citations are being properly implemented. If the employer has not corrected the cited conditions, OSHA can issue a Failure to Abate notice with additional daily penalties.

Question 6

What is an OSHA area office?

Accepted Answer

OSHA area offices are the local field offices where inspectors (called Compliance Safety and Health Officers) are based. Each area office covers a geographic territory and handles inspections, complaint investigations, and outreach for employers in that area. Area offices report to regional offices, of which there are ten across the United States. The area office is typically the employer's first point of contact with OSHA.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#342134525	Feb 27, 2017	Follow-Up	Partial	0	$0
#341505980	May 20, 2016	Fatality/Catastrophe	Complete	2	$12,471
#330296286	May 17, 2011	Planned	No Inspection	0	$0
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