Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has VALERO REFINING COMPANY had?

Accepted Answer

VALERO REFINING COMPANY has been inspected 24 times by OSHA between Apr 24, 2001 and May 27, 2021, with 9 violations and $8,130 in penalties on record.

Question 2

What OSHA hazards are common in plastics and chemical manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Plastics, chemical, and nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing face hazards including chemical exposure requiring respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134), process safety management for highly hazardous chemicals (29 CFR 1910.119), machine guarding on extrusion and molding equipment (29 CFR 1910.212), and noise exposure requiring hearing conservation programs (29 CFR 1910.95). Combustible dust is also a significant hazard in many of these operations.

Question 3

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 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
3328Machinery and Equipment	2	$935
5155Airborne Contaminants	2	$935
5189.1	2	$1,200
1529(F)(5)(A)	1	$0
5189Process Safety Management of Acutely Hazardous Materials	1	$5,060
6857	1	$0

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#345341119	May 27, 2021	Referral	Partial	0	$0
#344110721	Jun 26, 2019	Complaint	Partial	1	$0
#343881629	Mar 25, 2019	Referral	Partial	2	$1,200
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VALERO REFINING COMPANY