Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has PENOBSCOT BAY MEDICAL CENTER had?

Accepted Answer

PENOBSCOT BAY MEDICAL CENTER has been inspected 5 times by OSHA between May 10, 1988 and May 30, 2007, with 2 violations and $2,531 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

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 6

How can I check if a company has OSHA violations before accepting a job?

Accepted Answer

You can search for any employer's OSHA inspection history on SafetyRecord.org by entering the company name. Look at the number and type of violations (Serious, Willful, Repeat), the recency of inspections, and whether violations were corrected. A clean record or only minor violations is a positive sign. Companies in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing are inspected more frequently, so having inspections on record is normal for those industries.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#311124572	May 30, 2007	Complaint	Partial	2	$2,531
#300298197	Jul 2, 1998	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#123537763	May 28, 1996	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#123539496