I take back the smaller fines thing...I've been searching around MSHA's database for fines. Turns out a mine (not the one I work at) got 3 $55k fines for a fatality a few years ago. I'm sure that was nothing compared to the settlement though.
OSHA Doing Safety Checks at Auto Repair Shops
- Thread starter davbell22602
- Start date
I (we) have been fined multiple times.
They were ALWAYS reduced, since our company has a great record.
They come around every year or so, and the inspections last 2 days. Everything from paint booth equipment to grinder guards. We have multiple vehicle lifts, including a 50 foot long 65 ton lift.
Most violations are given a compliance date, if it is obvious that it was an oversight. Things like the respirator inspections being overdue, carried a fine, but it was typically 20% of the max fee.
Just depends on the record of your shop, what kind of safety policy you have, and how blatent the violation is.
They were ALWAYS reduced, since our company has a great record.
They come around every year or so, and the inspections last 2 days. Everything from paint booth equipment to grinder guards. We have multiple vehicle lifts, including a 50 foot long 65 ton lift.
Most violations are given a compliance date, if it is obvious that it was an oversight. Things like the respirator inspections being overdue, carried a fine, but it was typically 20% of the max fee.
Just depends on the record of your shop, what kind of safety policy you have, and how blatent the violation is.
Every year or two? We get inspected atleast 4 times a year. 
What is the meaning of this statement?
We all know about guys from Maine . . . 
I thought maybe you were the instructor!
