Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS RESEARCH CENTER - USDA/ARS had?

Accepted Answer

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS RESEARCH CENTER - USDA/ARS has been inspected 5 times by OSHA between Apr 3, 1987 and Apr 12, 1991, with 0 violations and $0 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in North Dakota?

Accepted Answer

North Dakota operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction for private-sector employers. Federal OSHA conducts all inspections and enforcement. The oil and gas industry in western North Dakota sees significant enforcement activity.

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 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

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.

Question 6

How does OSHA select employers for programmed inspections?

Accepted Answer

OSHA uses objective data to select employers for programmed inspections. Selection criteria include industry injury and illness rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, participation in National or Local Emphasis Programs targeting specific hazards, and employer-specific data such as reported injury rates from OSHA Form 300A submissions. The selection process is designed to focus limited inspection resources on workplaces with the highest potential for serious injuries and illnesses.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#110497310	Apr 12, 1991	Unprogrammed Other	Complete	0	$0
#100567361	Jun 20, 1990	Accident	Partial	0	$0
#100930940	Mar 21, 1989	Unprogrammed Other	Partial	0	$0
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