Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has CAPTIVE-AIRE SYSTEMS OF CALIFORNIA, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

CAPTIVE-AIRE SYSTEMS OF CALIFORNIA, INC. has been inspected 4 times by OSHA between Oct 24, 2006 and Jan 18, 2023, with 14 violations and $26,170 in penalties on record.

Question 2

Why are lockout/tagout violations so common in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) is consistently among the most cited standards in manufacturing because it applies to virtually every piece of powered equipment. Common violations include lack of written energy control procedures for specific machines, failure to train authorized and affected employees, failure to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures, and using inadequate lockout devices. The standard's detailed requirements make full compliance challenging for facilities with diverse equipment.

Question 3

How does California's OSHA program differ from federal OSHA?

Accepted Answer

California operates Cal/OSHA (the Division of Occupational Safety and Health), an OSHA-approved state plan that covers both private and public sector workers. Cal/OSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal standards, and in many cases California has adopted more protective requirements. Cal/OSHA conducts its own inspections and sets its own penalty amounts, which may differ from federal OSHA.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
4853	2	$840
5194Hazard Communication	2	$1,050
3273(A)	1	$560
3314The Control of Hazardous Energy for the Cleaning, Repairing, Servicing, Setting-Up, and Adjusting Operations of Prime Movers, Machinery and Equipment, Including Lockout/Tagout	1	$300
3328(G)	1	$18,000
3653(A)	1	$700
3203Injury and Illness Prevention Program	1	$300
4185	1	$300
4214	1	$2,700
5150Ventilation and Personal Protective Equipment Requirements for Welding, Brazing and Cutting	1	$560

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#346447949	Jan 18, 2023	Accident	Partial	3	$19,120
#342490042	Jul 20, 2017	Referral	Partial	1	$700
#310413166	Jun 26, 2007	Complaint	Partial	4	$2,150
#310409701