Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has NOWLIN STEELCRAFT, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

NOWLIN STEELCRAFT, INC. has been inspected 10 times by OSHA between Sep 23, 1998 and Oct 4, 2006, with 42 violations and $6,175 in penalties on record.

Question 2

Why are lockout/tagout violations so common in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) is consistently among the most cited standards in manufacturing because it applies to virtually every piece of powered equipment. Common violations include lack of written energy control procedures for specific machines, failure to train authorized and affected employees, failure to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures, and using inadequate lockout devices. The standard's detailed requirements make full compliance challenging for facilities with diverse equipment.

Question 3

How does Virginia's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Virginia operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health program (VOSH), covering both private and public sector workers. VOSH conducts inspections and enforces standards at least as effective as 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 a Repeat violation under OSHA?

Accepted Answer

A Repeat violation is issued when an employer has been previously cited for a substantially similar condition within the past five years. Repeat violations carry penalties up to $165,514 per violation for 2025. OSHA checks the employer's inspection history across all establishments to determine whether a prior citation for a similar hazard exists.

Question 6

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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1910.1200Hazard Communication	6	$700
1910.305Electrical - Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment	6	$1,550
1910.134Respiratory Protection	6	$0
1910.107Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible Materials	3	$800
1910.303Electrical - General Requirements	3	$800
1910.151Medical Services and First Aid	2	$1,000
1910.141Sanitation	2	$0
1910.178Powered Industrial Trucks	2	$150
1910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)	2	$375
1904.1Partial Exemption for Employers with 10 or Fewer Employees	1	$0

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#310485404	Oct 4, 2006	Follow-Up	Partial	0	$0
#310485354	Oct 3, 2006	Follow-Up	Partial	3	$1,200
#309701068	Jan 18, 2006	Planned	Complete	6	$875
#309701084

NOWLIN STEELCRAFT, INC.