Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has NPPR had?

Accepted Answer

NPPR has been inspected 4 times by OSHA between Feb 1, 2023 and Jul 23, 2024, with 28 violations and $14,000 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What is an Other-than-Serious violation?

Accepted Answer

An Other-than-Serious violation is cited when a hazard exists that could cause injury or illness but would not likely result in death or serious physical harm. These violations carry a maximum penalty of $16,550 per violation for 2025, though penalties are discretionary and may be reduced to zero. Common examples include recordkeeping deficiencies and posting requirements.

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

How do OSHA complaint inspections work?

Accepted Answer

OSHA complaint inspections are initiated when a current employee, former employee, or their representative files a formal complaint about workplace hazards. OSHA is required by law to investigate all formal complaints. The agency may conduct an on-site inspection or, for less serious complaints, contact the employer by phone or letter to request corrective action. Workers who file complaints are protected from retaliation under the OSH Act.

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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1904.40Providing records to government representatives	6	$12,000
1910.141Sanitation	4	$0
1910.157Portable Fire Extinguishers	4	$2,000
1904.32Annual Summary	4	$0
18	2	$0
1904.29Forms	2	$0
1910.36Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes	2	$0
1910.305Electrical - Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment	1	$0
1904.30Multiple Business Establishments	1	$0
1910.22Walking-Working Surfaces - General Requirements	1	$0

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#347653420	Jul 23, 2024	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#346759848	Jun 8, 2023	Complaint	Partial	5	$6,000
#346727175	May 25, 2023	Planned	Complete	6	$8,000
#346479660

NPPR