Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has HOWMET CORPORATION had?

Accepted Answer

HOWMET CORPORATION has been inspected 10 times by OSHA between Nov 7, 1988 and Oct 31, 2003, with 49 violations and $25,500 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does Virginia's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Virginia operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health program (VOSH), covering both private and public sector workers. VOSH conducts inspections and enforces standards at least as effective as federal OSHA.

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

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 5

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 6

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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1910.146Permit-Required Confined Spaces	13	$10,000
1910.1200Hazard Communication	5	$2,250
1910.305Electrical - Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment	5	$2,750
1910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus	4	$1,000
1910.37Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes	3	$0
1910.179Overhead and Gantry Cranes	2	$0
1910.23Ladders	2	$1,000
1910.132Personal Protective Equipment - General Requirements	2	$1,250
1910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)	2	$0
1910.303Electrical - General Requirements	2	$1,500

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#306819384	Oct 31, 2003	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#303096895	Jan 19, 2000	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#303095830	Nov 16, 1999	Referral	Complete	27	$9,500
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