OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAMedium
A construction company has been cited by OSHA for a 'Willful' violation. Which of the following best describes a 'Willful' violation?
- AA violation where the employer knew about the hazard but made no effort to correct it.
- BA violation that the employer could have prevented with reasonable diligence.
- CA violation that has a direct and immediate relationship to safety or health but the employer was unaware.
- DA violation that does not have a direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A violation where the employer knew about the hazard but made no effort to correct it.
A Willful violation is defined by OSHA as one in which the employer either knowingly failed to comply with a legal requirement or acted with plain indifference to employee safety. This implies the employer was aware of the hazard but chose not to address it.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This describes a Serious or Other-than-Serious violation, depending on the severity, but not necessarily a Willful one.
- C. This describes a Serious violation, where there is a substantial probability of death or serious physical harm, but doesn't necessarily imply employer knowledge or indifference.
- D. This describes a De Minimis violation, which has no direct impact on safety or health.
Willful Violation
An OSHA violation where the employer knowingly failed to comply with a legal requirement or acted with plain indifference to employee safety.
- Highest level of violation severity.
- Indicates intentional disregard for safety.
- Carries significant penalties.
Memory trick: Willful wrongs make workers wary, serious slips cause sorrow, other issues are just ordinary.