Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has LANKFORD CO INC had?

Accepted Answer

LANKFORD CO INC has been inspected 1 times by OSHA between Jul 9, 1980 and Jul 9, 1980, with 4 violations and $550 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction for private-sector employers. Federal OSHA conducts all workplace safety inspections and enforcement in Texas. The state does not have a state plan covering private-sector workers. Texas has one of the largest workforces in the country, making it a significant area of OSHA enforcement activity, particularly in the construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.

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

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 5

What triggers an OSHA accident investigation?

Accepted Answer

In the DOL OSHA enforcement data, an accident inspection is an inspection record tied to a reported workplace incident. Employers must report any work-related fatality within 8 hours and any in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours. An accident inspection reflects that OSHA opened an inspection in response to an incident report, not that fault has already been determined.

Question 6

Can employees refuse to work if conditions are unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Under limited circumstances, employees may refuse to perform work if they reasonably believe they face an imminent danger of death or serious injury. Before refusing, the employee should ask the employer to correct the hazard and, if possible, contact OSHA. The conditions for a protected work refusal are narrow: the danger must be imminent, the employee must have asked the employer to fix it, and there must not have been time to get the hazard corrected through normal channels.