This page displays public OSHA enforcement data. Penalty amounts shown reflect the latest penalty amounts on record in the DOL database and may differ from initial assessments or final amounts. This is not an official OSHA resource.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a complaint inspection of NORTHWESTERN STEEL & WIRE COMPANY at 121 Wallace Street, Sterling, IL 61081 on Jul 8, 1998. The inspection scope was partial. The case was closed on Jan 12, 1999.
OSHA documented 6 violations (4 serious, 2 other-than-serious) with total penalties on record of $4,200. This inspection is linked to 1 complaint in OSHA records.
OSHA collected 146 air monitoring samples covering 14 substances during this inspection, including Antimony and Compounds (as Sb), Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds (as Be), Cadmium, Chromium, Metal and Insoluble Salts, Cobalt, Metal, Dust and Fume (as Co), and 9 more.
This employer has 20+ other OSHA inspections on record at this establishment.
Air monitoring samples collected by OSHA during this inspection. Results grouped by substance.
| Substance | Samples | Result Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony and Compounds (as Sb) | 11 | 0 | mg/m³ |
| Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds (as Be) | 11 | 0 | mg/m³ |
| Cadmium | 11 | 0 - 0.0013 | mg/m³ |
| Citation | Standard | Type | Initial | Current | Abatement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 19101025 D08 I Lead | Other | $1,500 | $500 | Nov 2, 1998 |
| 01002 | 19101025 E01 Lead | Serious | $2,000 | $1,200 | Nov 23, 1998 |
| 01003 | 19101025 J01 I Lead | Serious | $2,500 | $1,300 |
The maximum penalty for a serious violation in 2025 is $16,550 per violation. For willful violations, the range is $11,823 to $165,514. The current penalty column shows the latest amount on record in OSHA's database for each citation. When the current penalty differs from the initial penalty, OSHA's records show that the amount changed during the enforcement process, but this page does not determine the specific reason for each change. Penalty amounts are set by OSHA and adjusted annually for inflation.
Data Source and Methodology
Data synced dailyData on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA enforcement database, accessed via the DOL public data API. Records are updated daily. We strive for accuracy, but errors in data processing or establishment matching are possible. Penalty amounts reflect the latest penalty amounts on record in the DOL database and may differ from initial assessments or final amounts after informal conference, settlement, or judicial review. Establishment matching is based on employer name and location as reported in inspection records; some establishments may appear under multiple name variations. Chemical exposure sampling data and OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) are sourced from the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database, matched via IMIS analyte codes. If you believe any record is inaccurate, please report it and we will investigate. This product uses the DOL Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the DOL. For official and authoritative records, visit osha.gov.
Other OSHA inspections of the same establishment. Linked via establishment ID (exact government key).
| Chromium, Metal and Insoluble Salts |
| 11 |
| 0 - 0.0143 |
| mg/m³ |
| Cobalt, Metal, Dust and Fume (as Co) | 11 | 0 - 0.000707 | mg/m³ |
| Copper Fume (as Cu) | 11 | 0.000849 - 0.0094 | mg/m³ |
| Gravimetric DeterminationQC | 1 | 0.5888 | mg/m³ |
| Iron Oxide Fume | 11 | 0.0361 - 1.8844 | mg/m³ |
| Lead, Inorganic (as Pb) | 11 | 0 - 0.0375 | mg/m³ |
| Manganese Fume (as Mn) | 11 | 0.0065 - 0.6122 | mg/m³ |
| Molybdenum (as Mo), Insoluble Compounds (Total Dust) | 11 | 0 | mg/m³ |
| Nickel, Metal and Insoluble compounds (as Ni) | 11 | 0 | mg/m³ |
| Sample WeightQC | 1 | 0.403 | mg |
| Silica, Crystalline Quartz (Respirable Fraction) | 1 | 5.3 | % |
| Vanadium fume (as V2O5) | 11 | 0 - 0.0037 | mg/m³ |
| Zinc Oxide Fume | 11 | 0.0181 - 0.4949 | mg/m³ |
Source: OSHA chemical exposure sampling data (OSHA Information System). P = Personal (worker breathing zone), A = Area (general air). Rows marked QC are analytical quality control measurements, not chemical exposures. OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) values from the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database, matched via IMIS substance code (analyte code) (exact government key).
| Dec 18, 1998 |
| 01004A | 19101025 L01 II Lead | Serious | $2,000 | $1,200 | Jan 20, 1999 |
| 01004B | 19101025 L01 I Lead | Serious | $0 | $0 | Jan 20, 1999 |
| 02001 | 19100022 A01 Walking-Working Surfaces - General Requirements | Other | $0 | $0 | Jan 8, 1999 |
