Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has N.P.S. ENERGY SERVICES, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

N.P.S. ENERGY SERVICES, INC. has been inspected 1 times by OSHA between Oct 16, 1995 and Oct 16, 1995, with 1 violations and $3,675 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What industries does OSHA inspect most in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Construction is the most inspected industry in Pennsylvania, followed by manufacturing (steel, food processing, pharmaceuticals), healthcare, and warehousing/distribution. Pennsylvania's history as an industrial state means it has a large base of manufacturing and heavy industry employers subject to regular OSHA enforcement activity.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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.

Question 6

What happens during the opening conference of an OSHA inspection?

Accepted Answer

At the start of an inspection, the OSHA compliance officer holds an opening conference with the employer. During this conference, the inspector presents credentials, explains the reason for the inspection (complaint, programmed, referral, etc.), describes the scope of the inspection, and outlines employer and employee rights. The employer may designate a representative to accompany the inspector during the walkaround. Employee representatives also have the right to participate.