Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has PUD #3 OF MASON COUNTY had?

Accepted Answer

PUD #3 OF MASON COUNTY has been inspected 15 times by OSHA between Jul 17, 1990 and Feb 19, 2003, with 1 violations and $210 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does Washington's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Washington operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), covering both private and public sector workers. Washington DOSH is known for having some of the most stringent workplace safety standards in the country.

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 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 6

How does OSHA decide which employers to inspect?

Accepted Answer

OSHA prioritizes inspections based on a hierarchy: imminent danger situations come first, followed by fatalities and catastrophes, then employee complaints and referrals, and finally planned (programmed) inspections targeting high-hazard industries. With federal and state plan inspectors covering over 8 million workplaces, OSHA can only inspect a small fraction each year, making the priority system essential for directing resources.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#305968729	Feb 19, 2003	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#302211529	Oct 7, 2002	Planned	Complete	0	$0
#304973084	Dec 10, 2001	Planned	Complete	0	$0
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