Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has PACIFIC DRILLING INC. had?

Accepted Answer

PACIFIC DRILLING INC. has been inspected 9 times by OSHA between Sep 19, 1994 and May 5, 2006, with 20 violations and $34,500 in penalties on record.

Question 2

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 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

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 5

Can employers be inspected by both federal OSHA and a state agency?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. In states with OSHA-approved state plans, the state agency has primary enforcement responsibility and federal OSHA generally does not conduct inspections of private employers. In states under federal jurisdiction, only federal OSHA conducts inspections. However, some states have partial plans that cover only public-sector employees, in which case federal OSHA retains jurisdiction over private employers.

Question 6

What records is an employer required to keep under OSHA?

Accepted Answer

Most employers with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA injury and illness records using Forms 300 (Log), 300A (Summary), and 301 (Incident Report). Certain low-hazard industries are partially exempt from routine recordkeeping. Employers must also report fatalities within 8 hours and hospitalizations, amputations, or eye losses within 24 hours. These records must be available for OSHA inspection and the annual 300A summary must be posted from February 1 through April 30.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1926.451Scaffolding - General Requirements	6	$11,900
1926.501Fall Protection - Duty to Have Fall Protection	3	$12,000
1926.503Fall Protection - Training Requirements	2	$1,200
1926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)	2	$900
1926.602Material Handling Equipment	1	$3,000
1926.652Excavations - Protection of Employees	1	$1,400
1926.21Safety Training and Education	1	$900
1926.800Underground Construction	1	$500
1926.28Personal Protective Equipment	1	$900
1926.100Head Protection (Construction)	1	$900

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#309845378	May 5, 2006	Planned	Complete	0	$0
#110520202	May 6, 1999	Follow-Up	No Inspection	0	$0
#109346544	Apr 19, 1999	Planned	No Inspection	0	$0
#106195951	Sep 17, 1998	Follow-Up	No Inspection	0	$0
#109486399	May 13, 1997	Planned	Complete	3	$5,200
#117952077	Sep 21, 1995	Planned	Partial	1	$500
#107329880	Apr 26, 1995	Planned	Complete	4	$16,000
#106198245	Apr 25, 1995	Planned	Complete	1	$1,400
#106195118	Sep 19, 1994	Planned	Complete	11	$11,400