Can I see if a contractor has OSHA safety violations?

Yes. Search for the contractor by company name. The employer profile shows all inspections, violation types, and total penalties paid. Look especially for willful and repeat violations, which indicate serious or recurring safety problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I look up a company's OSHA violations?

Search for the company name in ViolationLookup's search bar or browse the employer index. Each employer profile shows all OSHA inspections and violations on record, including citation types and penalties.

Q: What is a willful violation?

A willful OSHA violation occurs when an employer intentionally and knowingly fails to comply with a safety standard, or acts with plain indifference to employee safety. Maximum penalty is $156,259 per violation. It is the most serious OSHA citation type.

Common questions about OSHA violations, inspections, and using this tool.

How do I look up a company's OSHA violations?

Use the search bar at the top of any page. Enter the company name and select the employer from results. Each employer profile shows their complete OSHA inspection history, violation details, citation types, and total penalties paid. You can also browse employers by state or industry.

What is a willful violation?

A willful OSHA violation occurs when an employer intentionally and knowingly fails to comply with a safety standard, or acts with plain indifference to employee safety. It is the most serious citation type. Maximum penalty: $156,259 per violation. If a worker death is involved, criminal charges can be filed. We flag willful violations prominently with a red badge on employer profiles.

What is the difference between willful, repeat, and serious violations?

Willful: intentional or reckless disregard for safety. Repeat: same standard cited again within 5 years — penalty up to 10x normal. Serious: substantial probability of death or serious harm, employer knew or should have known. See our glossary for full definitions.

Can I see if a contractor has safety violations?

Yes. Search for the contractor by company name. The employer profile shows all inspections, citation types, and total penalties. Pay close attention to willful and repeat violations — these indicate intentional or recurring safety problems. For due diligence, also check the inspection types (complaint-driven inspections may indicate worker concerns).

How are OSHA penalties calculated?

OSHA uses a gravity-based penalty formula. The base penalty depends on the severity of the hazard and the probability of injury. OSHA may reduce penalties for good faith, history (first-time violators), and employer size (small businesses get reductions). Penalties can be reduced further through informal conferences or formal contest. The "initial penalty" is what OSHA first assessed; the "current penalty" reflects the final amount after any adjustments.

What does a "contested" violation mean?

An employer can contest (dispute) a citation within 15 working days. Contested cases go to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The initial penalty may be reduced, eliminated, or upheld. We show both the initial and current (final) penalty on each violation.

What is MSHA? Is it different from OSHA?

MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) is a separate agency that regulates safety at mines. OSHA covers general industry, construction, and most workplaces. MSHA covers surface and underground mines — coal, metal/nonmetal, stone quarries, and similar. Miners are covered by MSHA, not OSHA. See our articles for more detail on MSHA vs. OSHA.

What does the DOL Wage and Hour Division investigate?

The Wage and Hour Division enforces federal minimum wage and overtime (FLSA), family and medical leave (FMLA), prevailing wage laws for government contractors (Davis-Bacon, Service Contract Act), migrant and seasonal farm worker protections (MSPA), and H-2A temporary agricultural worker programs.

How current is the data?

Data is sourced from OSHA's public enforcement bulk CSV, which is updated periodically. Our current dataset includes inspection records going back to 1970. See our Data Sources page for details.