Final answer:
OSHA has the authority to issue citations and propose penalties for workplace safety violations. Compliance Safety and Health Officers conduct inspections and assess fines, with penalties ranging depending on the severity and nature of the violation. The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) serves as an independent body to hear appeals on citations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authority to issue citations and propose penalties for OSHA violations is vested in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) itself, through its Compliance Safety and Health Officers. When inspectors find violations of OSHA standards or serious hazards during inspections, they can issue citations to employers, which include the remedial actions to be taken and the deadlines for these actions. Penalties for violations can range up to $7,000 for a serious violation and up to $70,000 for a repeat or willful violation, taking into consideration factors such as the gravity of the violation, employer's business size, good faith, and history of previous violations. Employers have the right to contest citations, while workers can challenge the deadlines set for corrective measures. Inspections can result from worker complaints, referrals, high-hazard industry targeting, or follow-ups on previous inspections.
OSHA is a critical component in ensuring safe and healthful work environments and has the power to enforce regulations through stringent inspection processes and penalties. The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), an independent body, hears appeals of OSHA citations, ensuring fairness in the enforcement process.
It's important to note that workers and their representatives have the right to file a complaint requesting an OSHA inspection if they believe there are serious hazards or standards are not being met, without fear of employer retaliation. The protections afforded by OSHA are part of its mission to assure safe work conditions for all workers as established when it was founded on December 29, 1970.