Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION COMPANY had?

Accepted Answer

ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION COMPANY has been inspected 1 times by OSHA between Aug 29, 2001 and Aug 29, 2001, with 1 violations and $1,500 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 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.

Question 6

Can employers be inspected by both federal OSHA and a state agency?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. In states with OSHA-approved state plans, the state agency has primary enforcement responsibility and federal OSHA generally does not conduct inspections of private employers. In states under federal jurisdiction, only federal OSHA conducts inspections. However, some states have partial plans that cover only public-sector employees, in which case federal OSHA retains jurisdiction over private employers.