Final answer:
After a cease and desist order is issued for OSHA violations, employers may face penalties such as citations and fines up to $7,000 for serious violations and $70,000 for repeat or willful violations. Other factors like business size and violation history are also considered. Employers can contest citations, and workers can challenge correction deadlines; appeals go to the independent OSHRC.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a notice, hearing, and cease and desist order related to violations of OSHA standards, there are specific penalties that may be levied against an employer. When OSHA cites an employer for violations, it may issue citations and fines. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the infraction and corrective measures that must be completed by a certain deadline.
The penalties can be substantial; however, compared to other agencies, OSHA's fines are relatively low. For serious violations, the maximum fine is $7,000, while repeated or willful violations can incur a fine of up to $70,000. OSHA also considers factors such as the employer's business size, good faith efforts to comply with regulations, and the employer's violation history when determining penalty amounts.
Employers have the right to contest citations, and workers can challenge the deadline for correcting the cited issues. Any appeals are reviewed by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), which operates independently.