Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has TORCO, INC. had?

Accepted Answer

TORCO, INC. has been inspected 10 times by OSHA between Oct 11, 1973 and Jun 2, 2021, with 16 violations and $5,636 in penalties on record.

Question 2

Why are lockout/tagout violations so common in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) is consistently among the most cited standards in manufacturing because it applies to virtually every piece of powered equipment. Common violations include lack of written energy control procedures for specific machines, failure to train authorized and affected employees, failure to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures, and using inadequate lockout devices. The standard's detailed requirements make full compliance challenging for facilities with diverse equipment.

Question 3

What industries does OSHA inspect most in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Construction is the most inspected industry in Georgia, followed by manufacturing (food processing, automotive, textiles), warehousing and distribution (particularly around the Atlanta metro area), and poultry processing. Georgia's growing logistics sector, centered on the Port of Savannah and Atlanta's distribution hubs, sees increasing OSHA enforcement activity.

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

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 6

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.

Standard	Citations	Penalties
1910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus	3	$150
1910.252Welding, Cutting, and Brazing - General Requirements	2	$0
1910.304Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection	2	$425
1910.215Abrasive Wheel Machinery	2	$875
1910.242Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, General	1	$500
1910.309	1	$0
1904.39Reporting Fatalities, Hospitalizations, Amputations, and Losses of an Eye	1	$3,686
1910.1200Hazard Communication	1	$0
1910.132Personal Protective Equipment - General Requirements	1	$0
1910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)	1	$0

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#345343214	Jun 2, 2021	Complaint	Partial	2	$3,686
#341102481	Dec 2, 2015	Planned	Partial	0	$0
#116448622	Feb 25, 1999	Planned	Complete	0	$0
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