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744 Working with OSHA
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Appeals Process

Employers and workers each have rights to disagree with (or appeal) parts of an OSHA citation.

Employers and workers each have rights to disagree with (or appeal) parts of an OSHA citation.

Workers and their representatives may request an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the inspection, citations, penalties or a notice of contest (if filed by the employer). Workers may also contest the abatement time for any violation and an employer's petition for modification of abatement (PMA), but they cannot contest citations or penalties. If you, as a worker, plan to contest an abatement time, you should provide information to support your position.

The employer has more rights than workers related to citations. Employers may request an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the case. They can also reach a settlement agreement with OSHA that adjusts citations and penalties in order to avoid prolonged legal disputes.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-8. Workers and their representatives may request _____ with OSHA to discuss the inspection, citations, penalties or a notice of contest.