NORTHWESTERN STEEL & WIRE COMPANY
121 WALLACE STREET, STERLING, IL 61087
Having inspection records is common for businesses in regulated industries. Data and methodology
Inspection records
Nov 15, 1979#15730575Nov 15, 1979Planned (H) · Partial scope, Safety#15730575$1,12010 viol.10 violations$1,120 in penalties
Inspection #15730575
Dates
- Opened
- Nov 15, 1979
- Closing Conference Date
- Nov 16, 1979
- Closed
- Jan 2, 1980
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 4,400
- Related Activity
- 1 referral
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 10
- Violation Types
- 5 serious, 5 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $1,120
- Penalties on Record
- $1,120
- Site Address
- 121 Wallace Street, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Violations
Violation list (6 of 10 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.23 Ladders OSHA citation code: 19100023 A01 | Serious | 1 | - | $210 | $210 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
| 01002 | 1910.23 Ladders OSHA citation code: 19100023 C01 | Serious | 2 | - | $210 | $210 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
| 01003 | 1910.23 Ladders OSHA citation code: 19100023 C03 | Serious | 1 | - | $210 | $210 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
| 01004 | 1910.219 Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus OSHA citation code: 19100219 C02 I | Serious | 1 | - | $210 | $210 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
| 01005 | 1910.219 Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus OSHA citation code: 19100219 D01 | Serious | 2 | - | $280 | $280 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
| 02001 | 1910.22 Walking-Working Surfaces - General Requirements OSHA citation code: 19100022 A01 | Other | 1 | - | $0 | $0 | Dec 20, 1979 | - | - |
Showing the 6 violations listed first by citation identifier. This inspection has 10 total violations documented in the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA enforcement database. The complete violation list is available at enforcedata.dol.gov.
Oct 17, 1979#15687767Oct 17, 1979Planned (H) · Partial scope, Health#15687767$07 viol.7 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #15687767
Dates
- Opened
- Oct 17, 1979
- Closing Conference Date
- Oct 26, 1979
- Contested
- Feb 15, 1981
- Closed
- Feb 26, 1981
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 4,600
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 7
- Violation Types
- 1 repeat, 6 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $2,800
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 121 Wallace St, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Violations
Violation list (6 of 7 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure OSHA citation code: 19100095 B01 | Repeat | 4 | - | $2,800 | $0 | Oct 31, 1980 | Feb 15, 1981 | - |
| 02001A | 1910.134 Respiratory Protection OSHA citation code: 19100134 A02 | Other | 6 | - | $0 | $0 | Nov 29, 1979 | - | - |
| 02001B | 1910.134 Respiratory Protection OSHA citation code: 19100134 B01 | Other | 6 | - | $0 | $0 | Nov 29, 1979 | - | - |
| 02001C | 1910.134 Respiratory Protection OSHA citation code: 19100134 B02 | Other | 6 | - | $0 | $0 | Nov 29, 1979 | - | - |
| 02001D | 1910.134 Respiratory Protection OSHA citation code: 19100134 B03 | Other | 6 | - | $0 | $0 | Nov 29, 1979 | - | - |
| 02001E | 1910.134 Respiratory Protection OSHA citation code: 19100134 B06 | Other | 6 | - | $0 | $0 | Nov 29, 1979 | - | - |
Showing the 6 violations listed first by citation identifier. This inspection has 7 total violations documented in the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA enforcement database. The complete violation list is available at enforcedata.dol.gov.
Jan 10, 1979#15688542Jan 10, 1979Complaint (B) · Partial scope, Health#15688542$00 viol.0 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #15688542
Dates
- Opened
- Jan 10, 1979
- Closing Conference Date
- Jan 11, 1979
- Closed
- Mar 10, 1984
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 4,400
- Related Activity
- 1 complaint
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 0
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- 121 Wallace Street, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Jun 2, 1976#15697162Jun 2, 1976Accident (A) · Partial scope, Safety#15697162$6001 viol.1 violation$600 in penalties
Inspection #15697162
Dates
- Opened
- Jun 2, 1976
- Closing Conference Date
- Jun 22, 1976
- Closed
- Oct 27, 1976
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 4,400
- Related Activity
- 1 accident
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 1
- Violation Types
- 1 serious
- Initial Penalties
- $600
- Penalties on Record
- $600
- Site Address
- 121 Wallace Street, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Accident Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as an accident inspection in the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA enforcement data. Employers must report work-related fatalities within 8 hours, and work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours. An accident-related inspection does not by itself determine fault.
Violations
Violation list (1 of 1 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 5A0001 General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) | Serious | 50 | - | $600 | $600 | Jun 26, 1976 | - | - |
Dec 8, 1975#15704109Dec 8, 1975Planned (H) · Complete scope, Health#15704109$89063 viol.63 violations$890 in penalties
Inspection #15704109
Dates
- Opened
- Dec 8, 1975
- Closing Conference Date
- Dec 11, 1975
- Contested
- Apr 15, 1976
- Closed
- Oct 26, 1981
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Yes
- Number of Employees
- 4,200
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 63
- Violation Types
- 1 repeat, 62 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $1,390
- Penalties on Record
- $890
- Site Address
- 121 Walace Street, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Planned Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a planned inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Planned inspections are part of OSHA's scheduled enforcement activity rather than being opened directly from a complaint or reported incident at that worksite.
Violations
Violation list (6 of 63 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguishers OSHA citation code: 19100157 A02 | Other | 14 | - | $0 | $0 | Aug 1, 1976 | - | - |
| 01002 | 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks OSHA citation code: 19100178 G07 | Other | 3 | - | $0 | $0 | Mar 15, 1976 | - | - |
| 01003 | 1910.215 Abrasive Wheel Machinery OSHA citation code: 19100215 B09 | Other | 11 | - | $30 | $30 | Apr 15, 1976 | - | - |
| 01004 | 1910.252 Welding, Cutting, and Brazing - General Requirements OSHA citation code: 19100252 B04 IXC | Other | 10 | - | $0 | $0 | Apr 15, 1976 | - | - |
| 01005 | 1910.219 Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus OSHA citation code: 19100219 D01 | Other | 50 | - | $45 | $45 | Jan 15, 1977 | - | - |
| 01006 | 1910.309 OSHA citation code: 19100309 A 011017 | Other | 11 | - | $30 | $30 | Jan 22, 1976 | - | - |
Showing the 6 violations listed first by citation identifier. This inspection has 63 total violations documented in the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA enforcement database. The complete violation list is available at enforcedata.dol.gov.
Dec 12, 1974#214726267Dec 12, 1974Follow-Up (F) · Partial scope, Safety#214726267$00 viol.0 violations$0 in penalties
Inspection #214726267
Dates
- Opened
- Dec 12, 1974
- Closing Conference Date
- Dec 12, 1974
- Closed
- Mar 10, 1984
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Not displayed
- Number of Employees
- 4,800
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 0
- Initial Penalties
- $0
- Penalties on Record
- $0
- Site Address
- Plant No 2 New Blooming Mill, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Follow-Up Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a follow-up inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. Follow-up inspections are used by OSHA after earlier enforcement activity and can be used to check later compliance status.
Oct 30, 1974#214726101Oct 30, 1974Complaint (B) · Complete scope, Safety#214726101$6904 viol.4 violations$690 in penalties
Inspection #214726101
Dates
- Opened
- Oct 30, 1974
- Closing Conference Date
- Oct 31, 1974
- Closed
- Feb 10, 1975
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Not displayed
- Number of Employees
- 4,800
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 4
- Violation Types
- 1 serious, 3 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $690
- Penalties on Record
- $690
- Site Address
- Plant No 2 New Blooming Mill, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Complaint Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as a complaint inspection in the DOL OSHA enforcement data. OSHA can open complaint-driven inspections after receiving safety or health complaints from workers or their representatives.
Violations
Violation list (4 of 4 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes OSHA citation code: 19100179 J02 VI | Other | 1 | - | $60 | $60 | Dec 11, 1974 | - | - |
| 01002 | 1910.23 Ladders OSHA citation code: 19100023 A01 | Other | 1 | - | $30 | $30 | Dec 11, 1974 | - | - |
| 02001A | 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes OSHA citation code: 19100179 N03 VI | Serious | 1 | - | $600 | $600 | Dec 9, 1974 | - | - |
| 02001B | 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes OSHA citation code: 19100179 N03 XI | Other | 1 | - | $0 | $0 | Dec 9, 1974 | - | - |
Mar 7, 1973#214713638Mar 7, 1973Accident (A) · Complete scope, Health#214713638$2704 viol.4 violations$270 in penalties
Inspection #214713638
Dates
- Opened
- Mar 7, 1973
- Closing Conference Date
- Mar 7, 1973
- Contested
- Sep 15, 1976
- Closed
- Jan 18, 1977
Inspection
- Advance Notice
- Not recorded
- Owner Type
- Not recorded
- Union Status
- Not displayed
- Number of Employees
- 4,000
Violations and Penalties
- Total Violations
- 4
- Violation Types
- 4 other-than-serious
- Initial Penalties
- $270
- Penalties on Record
- $270
- Site Address
- Avenue B And Wallace Street, Sterling, IL 61081
- Industry
- Not classified in OSHA's inspection record.
Accident Inspection: This inspection record is categorized as an accident inspection in the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA enforcement data. Employers must report work-related fatalities within 8 hours, and work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours. An accident-related inspection does not by itself determine fault.
Violations
Violation list (4 of 4 shown)
| Citation | Standard | Type | Instances | Exposed | Initial | Current | Abatement | Contest | Final Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01001 | 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure OSHA citation code: 19100095 B01 | Other | 2 | - | $150 | $150 | Jun 6, 1974 | Sep 15, 1976 | - |
| 01002 | 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure OSHA citation code: 19100095 B03 | Other | 1 | - | $0 | $0 | Aug 9, 1973 | - | - |
| 01003 | 1910.23 Ladders OSHA citation code: 19100023 A08 I | Other | 31 | - | $60 | $60 | Aug 9, 1973 | - | - |
| 01004 | 1910.212 General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding) OSHA citation code: 19100212 A01 | Other | 31 | - | $60 | $60 | Aug 9, 1973 | - | - |
Penalty amounts may differ from final amounts after settlement or judicial review. How to read these records
About these records
A company page groups inspections with the same normalized employer name, city and state; it is not a legal-entity identifier (how pages are grouped).
This page displays public OSHA enforcement data. Status text follows the DOL inspection record first and may include citation-level context when the inspection feed and citation records are out of sync. 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.
OSHA's public enforcement data does not publish a "guilty" or "not guilty" field for inspections. The closest outcome fields available are the citation counts, penalty amounts, contest dates, final-order dates, and the inspection close date shown on this page. How to interpret these status fields. How initial and current penalties are recorded.
OSHA may publish multiple citation rows in the same inspection with the same standard and penalty fields. Separate rows can still differ in OSHA metadata such as citation identifier, recorded instance count, exposed workers, or gravity value. Contest and Final Order columns show citation-level dates from OSHA's enforcement record. A dash means OSHA's record does not currently show that activity for the citation.
Understanding These Penalties
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.
38 inspections, 1973 to 2000. Each row is one inspection; point at or tap a row for its dates and totals.
Source: DOL OSHA enforcement data (inspections and violations), linked via activity_nr (exact government key).
Penalty changes: Amounts shown reflect what OSHA's enforcement record publishes. The reason for any change is not stated unless OSHA's record explicitly says so.
Short cases: When a case closed soon after it opened, the closed marker is drawn slightly to the right so both markers stay visible. Each row's card shows the exact dates.
Standards cited
Chemical exposure sampling
Sample results are listed in the record of each inspection that collected them.