Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has MOORHEAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

MOORHEAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. has been inspected 2 times by OSHA between Apr 21, 1999 and Sep 14, 1999, with 0 violations and $0 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

South Dakota operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction for private-sector employers. Federal OSHA conducts all workplace safety inspections and enforcement directly.

Question 3

Why do some OSHA inspections result in zero penalties?

Accepted Answer

Not every OSHA inspection results in penalties. Inspections may find no violations, or the violations cited may be classified as Other-than-Serious with penalties reduced or waived. OSHA considers several factors when determining penalties, including employer size (small employers receive reductions), good faith efforts (having an effective safety program), and history (first-time offenders may receive lower penalties).

Question 4

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.

Question 5

How does OSHA handle multi-employer worksites?

Accepted Answer

On multi-employer worksites (common in construction), OSHA applies a multi-employer citation policy. Four categories of employers may be cited: the creating employer (whose actions created the hazard), the exposing employer (whose employees are exposed), the correcting employer (responsible for correcting the hazard), and the controlling employer (with general supervisory authority). More than one employer can be cited for the same hazard.

Question 6

What is the difference between OSHA and MSHA?

Accepted Answer

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) covers most private-sector workers, while MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) covers workers in mining operations. Both are part of the U.S. Department of Labor. The distinction is based on the work location: mine sites fall under MSHA jurisdiction, while non-mining workplaces fall under OSHA. Some companies may have operations covered by both agencies at different locations.

Question 7

Can OSHA inspect a workplace without a warrant?

Accepted Answer

OSHA inspectors generally attempt to gain voluntary entry to workplaces. If an employer refuses entry, OSHA must obtain an administrative search warrant from a federal court before conducting the inspection. However, if an imminent danger exists or if conditions observed from public areas provide probable cause, OSHA can obtain a warrant quickly. Refusing entry does not prevent an inspection; it only delays the process while OSHA obtains legal authorization.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#102760907	Sep 14, 1999	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#300238680	Apr 21, 1999	Planned	No Inspection	0	$0

MOORHEAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.