OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAMedium

A construction company receives an OSHA citation for an 'Other-than-Serious' violation. What is the characteristic of this type of violation regarding its impact on safety and health?

  1. AIt involves intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
  2. BIt has a substantial probability of causing death or serious physical harm.
  3. CIt has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.
  4. DIt has a direct relationship to safety and health, but is unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. It has a direct relationship to safety and health, but is unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm.

An 'Other-than-Serious' violation is one where the hazard has a direct relationship to safety and health, but is unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm. These violations still require abatement.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This describes a Willful violation.
  • B. This describes a Serious violation.
  • C. This describes a De Minimis violation.

Other-than-Serious Violation

An OSHA violation that has a direct relationship to safety and health, but is unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm.

  • May result in a discretionary monetary penalty.
  • Requires abatement by the employer.
  • Less severe than a Serious or Willful violation.

Memory trick: Other-than-Serious means 'OK, but fix it' – direct but not deadly.

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