OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAMedium
A construction company receives an OSHA citation that includes a proposed penalty. The company decides to contest the citation and initiates the appeals process. Within how many working days must an employer notify OSHA of their intent to contest a citation or proposed penalty?
- A60 calendar days
- B5 working days
- C15 working days
- D30 calendar days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 15 working days
Employers have a strict deadline to contest OSHA citations to ensure timely resolution of safety issues. The Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates a 15-working-day period for this notification to the Area Director.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is significantly longer than the allowed period and would result in the citation becoming a final order.
- B. This is too short a period for employers to adequately review and decide on contesting a citation.
- D. This timeframe is incorrect; OSHA specifies working days, not calendar days, and the number is different.
Contesting OSHA Citations Deadline
Employers have 15 working days from the receipt of an OSHA citation or proposed penalty to formally notify OSHA of their intent to contest it.
- 15 working days is the legal limit.
- Notification must be in writing to the OSHA Area Director.
- Failure to contest within this period makes the citation a final order.
Memory trick: Fifteen working days to write your fight, or the citation becomes final and tight.