The Definition of Citation (OSHA Citation)

Definition of Citation (OSHA Citation)

An OSHA citation is a formal, written notice issued to an employer following an inspection that identifies a specific alleged violation of an OSHA standard or the General Duty Clause, describes the nature of the violation, and specifies a proposed penalty amount and an abatement date by which the hazard must be corrected. Citations are categorized by severity, ranging from de minimis and other-than-serious violations to serious, willful, and repeat violations, with penalty amounts and legal consequences increasing significantly with severity classification, particularly for willful or repeat violations.

Example of Citation (OSHA Citation)

Following a workplace inspection triggered by an employee complaint, OSHA issues a serious citation to a construction company for failing to provide fall protection at heights exceeding six feet, along with a proposed penalty and a specified deadline by which the company must implement corrective measures.

Frequently Asked Questions: Citation (OSHA Citation)

What are the different classifications of OSHA citations?

OSHA citations are generally classified as de minimis (technical violations with no direct safety impact), other-than-serious, serious (violations with a substantial probability of death or serious harm), willful (intentional or plainly indifferent violations), and repeat violations (similar violations found previously at the same or related establishment), with penalty severity increasing accordingly.

Can an employer contest an OSHA citation?

Yes, employers generally have a limited window, typically 15 working days from receipt of the citation, to file a notice of contest, which can lead to an informal conference with OSHA or a formal hearing before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to dispute the citation, penalty amount, or abatement date.

What happens if an employer doesn't correct a cited hazard by the abatement date?

Failure to correct a cited hazard by the specified abatement date can result in additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance, and OSHA may conduct a follow-up inspection to verify whether corrective action has been taken.