Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has KAISER PERMANENTE OAKLAND MEDICAL CENTER had?

Accepted Answer

KAISER PERMANENTE OAKLAND MEDICAL CENTER has been inspected 28 times by OSHA between May 14, 1991 and Sep 29, 2009, with 52 violations and $41,585 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What bloodborne pathogen requirements apply to healthcare employers?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare employers must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which requires an exposure control plan, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, hepatitis B vaccination for exposed workers, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, employee training, and recordkeeping. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act further requires use of safer needle devices and involvement of frontline workers in device selection.

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
3203Injury and Illness Prevention Program	10	$4,315
3272Aisles, Walkways, and Crawlways	6	$750
5142Mechanically Driven Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems to Provide Minimum Building Ventilation	4	$450
14301Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses	3	$1,200
5217Formaldehyde	2	$0
5220Ethylene Oxide	2	$0
5193Bloodborne Pathogens	2	$4,835
5143General Requirements of Mechanical Ventilation Systems	2	$0
5194Hazard Communication	2	$350
3225	1	$1,750

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#312357726	Sep 29, 2009	Complaint	Partial	1	$0
#307337352	Apr 27, 2005	Complaint	Partial	9	$7,685
#125519025	Jul 15, 2002	Complaint	Partial	6	$1,050
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KAISER PERMANENTE OAKLAND MEDICAL CENTER