Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has SW CHEESE CO, LLC had?

Accepted Answer

SW CHEESE CO, LLC has been inspected 1 times by OSHA between Jul 11, 2019 and Jul 11, 2019, with 2 violations and $14,400 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What OSHA standards apply to Manufacturing employers?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing employers are subject to OSHA's General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910). Frequently cited standards include lockout/tagout procedures (1910.147), machine guarding (1910.212), hazard communication (1910.1200), electrical safety (1910.303), and respiratory protection (1910.134). The specific standards that apply depend on the manufacturing processes and materials involved.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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.