OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAEasy
During an OSHA inspection, a compliance officer observes a minor housekeeping issue that poses no immediate or direct threat to employee safety or health. What type of violation is this most likely to be cited as?
- ASerious
- BDe Minimis
- COther-than-Serious
- DWillful
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. De Minimis
A De Minimis violation is one that has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health. Minor housekeeping issues that pose no direct threat typically fall into this category.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Serious violations have a substantial probability of death or serious physical harm.
- C. Other-than-Serious violations have a direct impact on safety/health but are unlikely to cause death or serious harm.
- D. Willful violations involve intentional disregard or plain indifference to safety.
De Minimis Violation
An OSHA violation that has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.
- Often results in no monetary penalty.
- Does not require abatement.
- Considered the least severe type of violation.
Memory trick: De Minimis means 'don't mind us' – it's so small, no one's hurt.