Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has RICE BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

RICE BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. has been inspected 5 times by OSHA between Dec 12, 1991 and Aug 7, 2015, with 2 violations and $105 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does Minnesota's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA), covering both private and public sector workers. MNOSHA conducts inspections and enforces standards at least as effective as federal OSHA.

Question 3

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 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

What happens after OSHA issues a citation?

Accepted Answer

After OSHA issues citations, the employer has 15 working days to respond. They can accept the citation and pay the penalty, request an informal conference to negotiate penalties or abatement dates, or formally contest the citation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). If the employer contests only the penalty amount, they must still correct (abate) the cited hazards by the deadline. If the employer contests the citation itself, the abatement obligation is stayed pending the outcome of the contest proceedings.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
182065308	1	$0
1926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)	1	$105

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#318007721	Aug 7, 2015	Planned	No Inspection	0	$0
#316174838	Nov 30, 2011	Planned	Complete	1	$105
#120369269	Aug 17, 1994	Planned	Complete	0	$0
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