Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has WALSH CONSTRUCTION CO had?

Accepted Answer

WALSH CONSTRUCTION CO has been inspected 5 times by OSHA between Jul 22, 1975 and Feb 17, 1977, with 0 violations and $0 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does OSHA enforcement work in Maine?

Accepted Answer

Maine operates a partial state plan covering public sector employees only. Private-sector employers in Maine are under federal OSHA jurisdiction. Federal OSHA conducts all inspections and enforcement for private-sector workplaces in the state.

Question 3

Why do some OSHA inspections result in zero penalties?

Accepted Answer

Not every OSHA inspection results in penalties. Inspections may find no violations, or the violations cited may be classified as Other-than-Serious with penalties reduced or waived. OSHA considers several factors when determining penalties, including employer size (small employers receive reductions), good faith efforts (having an effective safety program), and history (first-time offenders may receive lower penalties).

Question 4

How do OSHA complaint inspections work?

Accepted Answer

OSHA complaint inspections are initiated when a current employee, former employee, or their representative files a formal complaint about workplace hazards. OSHA is required by law to investigate all formal complaints. The agency may conduct an on-site inspection or, for less serious complaints, contact the employer by phone or letter to request corrective action. Workers who file complaints are protected from retaliation under the OSH Act.

Question 5

What is a de minimis violation?

Accepted Answer

A de minimis violation is a technical violation of an OSHA standard that has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health. De minimis violations are documented but do not result in citations or penalties. For example, a guardrail that is 41 inches high instead of the required 42 inches, but is otherwise adequate, might be classified as de minimis. These violations do not appear in OSHA's public enforcement data.

Question 6

Can employees refuse to work if conditions are unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Under limited circumstances, employees may refuse to perform work if they reasonably believe they face an imminent danger of death or serious injury. Before refusing, the employee should ask the employer to correct the hazard and, if possible, contact OSHA. The conditions for a protected work refusal are narrow: the danger must be imminent, the employee must have asked the employer to fix it, and there must not have been time to get the hazard corrected through normal channels.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#10299261	Feb 17, 1977	Complaint	Complete	0	$0
#10311306	May 12, 1976	Follow-Up	Complete	0	$0
#10311173	Apr 26, 1976	Accident	Complete	0	$0
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