Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has HIGGINS ELECTRIC CO. had?

Accepted Answer

HIGGINS ELECTRIC CO. has been inspected 10 times by OSHA between Jan 2, 1974 and Jan 17, 1997, with 11 violations and $1,105 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What is OSHA's multi-employer citation policy in construction?

Accepted Answer

On construction sites with multiple contractors, OSHA can cite more than one employer for the same hazard. Under the multi-employer citation policy, four types of employers may be cited: the creating employer (whose actions created the hazard), the exposing employer (whose workers are exposed), the correcting employer (responsible for fixing the hazard), and the controlling employer (with general supervisory authority over the site). General contractors are frequently cited as controlling employers.

Question 3

Does Ohio have its own OSHA program?

Accepted Answer

Ohio operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction for private-sector employers. There is no state-run occupational safety program for the private sector in Ohio. Federal OSHA conducts all workplace safety inspections and enforces standards directly. Ohio does offer a free on-site consultation program for employers seeking voluntary safety assistance.

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 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 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
1926.59Hazard Communication	3	$0
1926.400Introduction (Electrical - Construction)	3	$120
1926.50Medical Services and First Aid (Construction)	2	$125
1903.2Posting of Notices; Availability of the Act, Regulations and Applicable Standards	1	$100
1926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)	1	$360
1926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)	1	$400

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#301528014	Jan 17, 1997	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#103544870	May 26, 1994	Planned	Complete	1	$360
#109780692	May 20, 1993	Planned	Complete	2	$500
#103057170

HIGGINS ELECTRIC CO.