Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has MARTINEZ REFINING COMPANY LLC had?

Accepted Answer

MARTINEZ REFINING COMPANY LLC has been inspected 25 times by OSHA between May 21, 2021 and Mar 24, 2026, with 69 violations and $321,640 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What is Process Safety Management and which manufacturers need it?

Accepted Answer

Process Safety Management (PSM, 29 CFR 1910.119) applies to manufacturers that handle highly hazardous chemicals above threshold quantities. PSM requires employers to develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs including process hazard analyses, operating procedures, employee training, mechanical integrity programs, and emergency planning. Chemical and petroleum manufacturers are most commonly subject to PSM requirements.

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 an Other-than-Serious violation?

Accepted Answer

An Other-than-Serious violation is cited when a hazard exists that could cause injury or illness but would not likely result in death or serious physical harm. These violations carry a maximum penalty of $16,550 per violation for 2025, though penalties are discretionary and may be reduced to zero. Common examples include recordkeeping deficiencies and posting requirements.

Question 6

What do high OSHA penalty amounts indicate?

Accepted Answer

Higher penalty amounts typically result from Willful or Repeat violations, which carry maximums of $165,514 per violation (2025). Large penalty totals can also result from multiple Serious violations cited during a single inspection. Penalty amounts reflect OSHA's assessment of the severity and nature of the hazards found, not necessarily the overall safety culture of the employer. Employers may contest penalties through informal conference or formal proceedings.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
5189.1	11	$35,835
6760(A)	4	$10,650
2340.16	4	$1,370
6151(C)(1)	4	$780
4300.32	2	$900
3273(A)	2	$560
3314(G)(1)(D)	2	$13,950
3314(C)	2	$13,950
5144(C)(1)(D)	2	$13,950
6815(A)	2	$13,950

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#348836008	Mar 24, 2026	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#348836131	Mar 24, 2026	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#348810532	Mar 12, 2026	Unprogrammed Related	Partial	0	$0
#348647892

MARTINEZ REFINING COMPANY LLC