Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has NORTHERN TRADING COMPANY, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

NORTHERN TRADING COMPANY, INC. has been inspected 2 times by OSHA between Apr 28, 1998 and Dec 13, 1999, with 2 violations and $1,925 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in Maine?

Accepted Answer

Maine operates a partial state plan covering public sector employees only. Private-sector employers in Maine are under federal OSHA jurisdiction. Federal OSHA conducts all inspections and enforcement for private-sector workplaces in the state.

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 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 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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1910.135Head Protection	1	$700
1910.178Powered Industrial Trucks	1	$1,225

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#300300829	Dec 13, 1999	Planned	No Inspection	0	$0
#122378250	Apr 28, 1998	Complaint	Partial	2	$1,925