Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has P N M PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF NM had?

Accepted Answer

P N M PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF NM has been inspected 2 times by OSHA between May 29, 1985 and May 11, 2007, with 3 violations and $6,600 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does New Mexico's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

New Mexico operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, covering both private and public sector workers. The program enforces standards at least as effective as federal OSHA.

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 an OSHA referral inspection?

Accepted Answer

A referral inspection occurs when a federal or state agency, or another OSHA inspector, identifies a potential hazard and refers it to OSHA for follow-up. Referrals can come from other government agencies during their own inspections, from media reports, or from other OSHA inspections that identify hazards outside their scope. Referral inspections are given priority below complaints but above programmed inspections.

Question 6

Does having OSHA violations mean an employer is unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. OSHA inspections and citations are a normal part of regulatory enforcement in many industries. The presence of inspection records often reflects that an employer operates in a sector that OSHA actively monitors, not that the workplace is inherently dangerous. Many citations involve recordkeeping, signage, or documentation requirements rather than immediate safety hazards. Context including the type, severity, and resolution of violations provides a more complete picture.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
90005	2	$1,600
1910.269Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution	1	$5,000

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#311064968	May 11, 2007	Referral	Complete	1	$5,000
#2956696	May 29, 1985	Planned	Partial	2	$1,600