EMPIRE HARD CHROME
1615 S. KOSTNER, CHICAGO, IL 60623
Having inspection records is common for businesses in regulated industries. Data and methodology
Inspection records
Feb 28, 2019#343815619Feb 28, 2019Planned (H) · Partial scope, Health#343815619$02 viol.2 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #343815619
Dates
- Opened
- Feb 28, 2019
- Closing Conference Date
- Feb 28, 2019
- Final Order
- May 2, 2019
- Closed
- May 21, 2019
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 7
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 2
- Violation Types
- 2 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1537 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Violations
Violation list (2 of 2 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.151 Medical Services and First Aid OSHA citation code: 19100151 C | Other | 1 | 2 | $0 | $0 | May 23, 2019 | - | May 2, 2019 |
| 01002 | 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks OSHA citation code: 19100178 Q07 | Other | 1 | 2 | $0 | $0 | Apr 25, 2019 | - | May 2, 2019 |
Feb 12, 2013#338856644Feb 12, 2013Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Safety#338856644$00 viol.0 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #338856644
Dates
- Opened
- Feb 12, 2013
- Closing Conference Date
- Feb 12, 2013
- Closed
- Mar 4, 2013
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 14
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 0
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1537 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Feb 12, 2013#338821838Feb 12, 2013Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Health#338821838$4,4104 viol.4 violations$4,410 in penalties
Inspection #338821838
Dates
- Opened
- Feb 12, 2013
- Closing Conference Date
- Feb 12, 2013
- Final Order
- Apr 11, 2013
- Closed
- Aug 22, 2013
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 14
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 4
- Violation Types
- 3 serious, 1 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $6,300
- Penalties on Record
- $4,410
- Site Address
- 1537 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Violations
Violation list (4 of 4 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.124 General Requirements for Dipping and Coating Operations OSHA citation code: 19100124 G01 | Serious | 1 | 14 | $2,100 | $1,470 | May 8, 2013 | - | Apr 11, 2013 |
| 01002 | 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment - General Requirements OSHA citation code: 19100132 A | Serious | 1 | 14 | $2,100 | $1,470 | May 8, 2013 | - | Apr 11, 2013 |
| 01003 | 1910.1200 Hazard Communication OSHA citation code: 19101200 H01 | Serious | 1 | 2 | $2,100 | $1,470 | May 8, 2013 | - | Apr 11, 2013 |
| 02001 | 1910.1200 Hazard Communication OSHA citation code: 19101200 F05 I | Other | 1 | 14 | $0 | $0 | May 8, 2013 | - | Apr 11, 2013 |
Oct 18, 2012#336929385Oct 18, 2012Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Safety#336929385$4,2001 viol.1 violation$4,200 in penalties
Inspection #336929385
Dates
- Opened
- Oct 18, 2012
- Closing Conference Date
- Oct 25, 2012
- Final Order
- Jan 8, 2013
- Closed
- Feb 21, 2013
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 58
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 serious
- Initial Penalties
- $4,200
- Penalties on Record
- $4,200
- Site Address
- 1615 S Kostner, Chicago, IL 60623
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.212 General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding) OSHA citation code: 19100212 A01 | Serious | 2 | 5 | $4,200 | $4,200 | Jan 31, 2013 | - | Jan 8, 2013 |
Oct 18, 2012#336926985Oct 18, 2012Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Health#336926985$01 viol.1 violation$0 in penalties
Inspection #336926985
Dates
- Opened
- Oct 18, 2012
- Closing Conference Date
- Oct 18, 2012
- Final Order
- Dec 6, 2012
- Closed
- Dec 27, 2012
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 45
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1615 S Kostner, Chicago, IL 60623
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.124 General Requirements for Dipping and Coating Operations OSHA citation code: 19100124 H04 | Other | 1 | 38 | $0 | $0 | Dec 28, 2012 | - | Dec 6, 2012 |
Dec 11, 2008#310169081Dec 11, 2008Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Health#310169081$01 viol.1 violation$0 in penalties
Inspection #310169081
Dates
- Opened
- Dec 11, 2008
- Closing Conference Date
- Jan 14, 2009
- Closed
- Jan 14, 2009
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 45
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1615 S. Kostner, Chicago, IL 60623
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Chemical Exposure Sampling2 substances sampled
Air monitoring samples collected by OSHA during this inspection. Results grouped by substance.
| Substance | Samples | Result Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromic Acid and Chromates (as CrO3) | 3 | 0.002144 - 0.004248 | mg/m³ |
| Chromium (VI) - TWA | 3 | 0.001115 - 0.002209 | mg/m³ |
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks OSHA citation code: 19100178 E02 | Other | 1 | 1 | $0 | $0 | Jan 26, 2009 | - | - |
Jun 4, 2007#310177092Jun 4, 2007Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Safety#310177092$00 viol.0 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #310177092
Dates
- Opened
- Jun 4, 2007
- Closing Conference Date
- Jun 4, 2007
- Closed
- Jun 4, 2007
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 25
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 0
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1537 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Mar 9, 2005#307382754Mar 9, 2005Planned (H) · Partial scope, Safety#307382754$01 viol.1 violation$0 in penalties
Inspection #307382754
Dates
- Opened
- Mar 9, 2005
- Closing Conference Date
- Mar 9, 2005
- Closed
- May 11, 2005
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 30
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1537 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60608
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Chemical Exposure Sampling1 substance sampled
Air monitoring samples collected by OSHA during this inspection. Results grouped by substance.
| Substance | Samples | Result Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromic Acid and Chromates (as CrO3) | 2 | 0 - 0.012 | mg/m³ |
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces OSHA citation code: 19100146 C01 | Other | 1 | 4 | $0 | $0 | May 10, 2005 | - | - |
Mar 9, 2005#307382747Mar 9, 2005Planned (H) · Partial scope, Health#307382747$01 viol.1 violation$0 in penalties
Inspection #307382747
Dates
- Opened
- Mar 9, 2005
- Closing Conference Date
- Mar 9, 2005
- Closed
- May 11, 2005
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- No
- Number of Employees
- 55
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1615 S. Kostner, Chicago, IL 60623
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Chemical Exposure Sampling1 substance sampled
Air monitoring samples collected by OSHA during this inspection. Results grouped by substance.
| Substance | Samples | Result Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromic Acid and Chromates (as CrO3) | 1 | 0 | mg/m³ |
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces OSHA citation code: 19100146 C01 | Other | 1 | 4 | $0 | $0 | May 10, 2005 | - | - |
Jan 25, 2005#307377291Jan 25, 2005Planned (H) · No Inspection scope, Health#307377291$00 viol.0 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #307377291
Dates
- Opened
- Jan 25, 2005
- Closing Conference Date
- Jan 25, 2005
- Closed
- Jan 25, 2005
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- No
- Owner Type
- Private
- Union Status
- Not recorded
- Number of Employees
- 30
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 0
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 1615 S. Kostner, Chicago, IL 60623
- Industry
- 332813 Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Penalty amounts may differ from final amounts after settlement or judicial review. How to read these records
About these records
A company page groups inspections with the same normalized employer name, city and state; it is not a legal-entity identifier (how pages are grouped).
This page displays public OSHA enforcement data. Status text follows the DOL inspection record first and may include citation-level context when the inspection feed and citation records are out of sync. Penalty amounts shown reflect the latest penalty amounts on record in the DOL database and may differ from initial assessments or final amounts. This is not an official OSHA resource.
OSHA's public enforcement data does not publish a "guilty" or "not guilty" field for inspections. The closest outcome fields available are the citation counts, penalty amounts, contest dates, final-order dates, and the inspection close date shown on this page. How to interpret these status fields. How initial and current penalties are recorded.
OSHA may publish multiple citation rows in the same inspection with the same standard and penalty fields. Separate rows can still differ in OSHA metadata such as citation identifier, recorded instance count, exposed workers, or gravity value. Contest and Final Order columns show citation-level dates from OSHA's enforcement record. A dash means OSHA's record does not currently show that activity for the citation.
Source: OSHA chemical exposure sampling data (OSHA Information System). P = Personal (worker breathing zone), A = Area (general air). Rows marked QC are analytical quality control measurements, not chemical exposures. OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) values from the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database, matched via IMIS substance code (analyte code) (exact government key).
Understanding These Penalties
The maximum penalty for a serious violation in 2025 is $16,550 per violation. For willful violations, the range is $11,823 to $165,514. The current penalty column shows the latest amount on record in OSHA's database for each citation. When the current penalty differs from the initial penalty, OSHA's records show that the amount changed during the enforcement process, but this page does not determine the specific reason for each change. Penalty amounts are set by OSHA and adjusted annually for inflation.
17 inspections, 1979 to 2019. Each row is one inspection; point at or tap a row for its dates and totals.
Source: DOL OSHA enforcement data (inspections and violations), linked via activity_nr (exact government key).
Penalty changes: Amounts shown reflect what OSHA's enforcement record publishes. The reason for any change is not stated unless OSHA's record explicitly says so.
Short cases: When a case closed soon after it opened, the closed marker is drawn slightly to the right so both markers stay visible. Each row's card shows the exact dates.
Standards cited
Chemical exposure sampling
Sample results are listed in the record of each inspection that collected them.
Industry comparison
BLS 2024 survey: electroplating, plating, polishing, anodizing, and coloring reported 4.1 injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers (total recordable cases, national, private industry; relative standard error 12.2%). This is an industry-wide average from a federal survey, not a measurement of this establishment. Source