Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has J.C. PENNEY COMPANY INC. had?

Accepted Answer

J.C. PENNEY COMPANY INC. has been inspected 7 times by OSHA between Jan 8, 1992 and May 20, 2010, with 31 violations and $5,905 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What OSHA requirements apply to Retail Trade employers?

Accepted Answer

Retail establishments are covered under OSHA's General Industry standards. Common compliance areas include exit routes (1910.36-37), walking and working surfaces to prevent slips and falls (1910.22), material handling equipment safety (1910.176), electrical installations (1910.303), and personal protective equipment where required (1910.132).

Question 3

How does California's OSHA program differ from federal OSHA?

Accepted Answer

California operates Cal/OSHA (the Division of Occupational Safety and Health), an OSHA-approved state plan that covers both private and public sector workers. Cal/OSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal standards, and in many cases California has adopted more protective requirements. Cal/OSHA conducts its own inspections and sets its own penalty amounts, which may differ from federal OSHA.

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
5194Hazard Communication	6	$650
2500.8	3	$1,435
6151Portable Fire Extinguishers	3	$310
3203Injury and Illness Prevention Program	2	$225
4650Storage, Handling, and Use of Cylinders	2	$325
5185Changing and Charging Storage Batteries	2	$0
3320Warning Signs	1	$160
2340.22	1	$260
4002Moving Parts of Machinery or Equipment	1	$0
4070Guarding	1	$350

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#125477950	May 20, 2010	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#125584284	Jun 23, 1998	Planned	Partial	5	$1,745
#125503110	Nov 14, 1996	Complaint	Partial	3	$1,800
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