Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has THOMAS WELDING & MACHINE INC had?

Accepted Answer

THOMAS WELDING & MACHINE INC has been inspected 3 times by OSHA between Oct 10, 1991 and Mar 30, 2018, with 21 violations and $19,220 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does California's OSHA program differ from federal OSHA?

Accepted Answer

California operates Cal/OSHA (the Division of Occupational Safety and Health), an OSHA-approved state plan that covers both private and public sector workers. Cal/OSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal standards, and in many cases California has adopted more protective requirements. Cal/OSHA conducts its own inspections and sets its own penalty amounts, which may differ from federal OSHA.

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

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 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 triggers an OSHA accident investigation?

Accepted Answer

In the DOL OSHA enforcement data, an accident inspection is an inspection record tied to a reported workplace incident. Employers must report any work-related fatality within 8 hours and any in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours. An accident inspection reflects that OSHA opened an inspection in response to an incident report, not that fault has already been determined.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
5216Lead	12	$540
3577Protection Devices	2	$410
5099	2	$0
3203Injury and Illness Prevention Program	2	$65
4187(C)	1	$18,000
3203(A)(4)	1	$0
5097	1	$205

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#343053658	Mar 30, 2018	Accident	Partial	2	$18,000
#125685164	Mar 24, 1999	Accident	Partial	0	$0
#111900171	Oct 10, 1991	Complaint	Complete	19	$1,220