Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has DE had?

Accepted Answer

DE has been inspected 32 times by OSHA between Oct 15, 1990 and Oct 22, 2025, with 55 violations and $165,875 in penalties on record.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

What do high OSHA penalty amounts indicate?

Accepted Answer

Higher penalty amounts typically result from Willful or Repeat violations, which carry maximums of $165,514 per violation (2025). Large penalty totals can also result from multiple Serious violations cited during a single inspection. Penalty amounts reflect OSHA's assessment of the severity and nature of the hazards found, not necessarily the overall safety culture of the employer. Employers may contest penalties through informal conference or formal proceedings.

Question 5

How do OSHA complaint inspections work?

Accepted Answer

OSHA complaint inspections are initiated when a current employee, former employee, or their representative files a formal complaint about workplace hazards. OSHA is required by law to investigate all formal complaints. The agency may conduct an on-site inspection or, for less serious complaints, contact the employer by phone or letter to request corrective action. Workers who file complaints are protected from retaliation under the OSH Act.

Question 6

What is the difference between initial and current penalties?

Accepted Answer

The initial penalty is the amount OSHA proposes when issuing a citation. The current penalty reflects any adjustments made afterward, such as through informal settlement conferences, formal contest proceedings, or penalty reduction programs. It is common for current penalties to be lower than initial penalties, as employers frequently negotiate reductions through the informal conference process.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1904	11	$55,700
18	8	$11,000
1910.22Walking-Working Surfaces - General Requirements	6	$45,250
1910.141Sanitation	5	$3,775
6	4	$10,050
1904.40Providing records to government representatives	3	$3,000
1910.1200Hazard Communication	3	$2,000
1910.37Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes	3	$10,500
1904.29Forms	3	$2,700
1910.157Portable Fire Extinguishers	3	$5,900

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#348563388	Oct 22, 2025	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#348550849	Oct 8, 2025	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#348220658	Apr 29, 2025	Complaint	Partial	4	$7,000
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