Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has WILLAMETTE IRON & STEEL CO had?

Accepted Answer

WILLAMETTE IRON & STEEL CO has been inspected 29 times by OSHA between Nov 13, 1972 and Jul 7, 1980, with 0 violations and $0 in penalties on record.

Question 2

How does Oregon's state OSHA plan work?

Accepted Answer

Oregon operates its own OSHA-approved state plan through Oregon OSHA (OR-OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The plan covers both private and public sector workers and enforces standards at least as effective as federal OSHA.

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

How does OSHA select employers for programmed inspections?

Accepted Answer

OSHA uses objective data to select employers for programmed inspections. Selection criteria include industry injury and illness rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, participation in National or Local Emphasis Programs targeting specific hazards, and employer-specific data such as reported injury rates from OSHA Form 300A submissions. The selection process is designed to focus limited inspection resources on workplaces with the highest potential for serious injuries and illnesses.

Question 6

How can I check if a company has OSHA violations before accepting a job?

Accepted Answer

You can search for any employer's OSHA inspection history on SafetyRecord.org by entering the company name. Look at the number and type of violations (Serious, Willful, Repeat), the recency of inspections, and whether violations were corrected. A clean record or only minor violations is a positive sign. Companies in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing are inspected more frequently, so having inspections on record is normal for those industries.

ID	Opened	Type	Scope	Viol.	Penalties
#218376812	Jul 7, 1980	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
#218377141	Apr 8, 1980	Planned	Complete	0	$0
#218386134	Aug 28, 1979	Complaint	Partial	0	$0
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