MERIT GAGE, INC.

According to U.S. Department of Labor enforcement records, MERIT GAGE, INC. — a precision turned product manufacturing facility located at 2801 PIPER AVENUE, WATERTOWN, SD 57201 — was the subject of a formal OSHA inspection that resulted in 3 citation(s) and cumulative proposed penalties of $9,831.00. The inspection case was opened on 2025-04-08.

DOL records document workplace safety violations warranting formal citation under the OSH Act. While classified at the standard enforcement level, all OSHA citations require corrective action and may indicate areas where workplace safety programs should be strengthened.

BLS Injury Data: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), this industry sector has an occupational injury rate of 3.3 per 100 full-time workers — 22% above the national average of 2.7. The sector fatality rate is 2.3 per 100,000 workers.

Industry Benchmark: The total penalty of $9,831.00 is 53% above the national average of $6,436.62 for facilities in the Manufacturing sector (NAICS 332721). This sector encompasses 82,943 inspected facilities nationwide with aggregate penalties totaling $533.9M.

State Context: Within SD, this facility's penalty places it at the 95th percentile among 6,675 inspected facilities. The statewide average penalty is $2,764.62.

Citation Analysis: The inspection produced 3 citations spanning 3 distinct OSHA regulatory standards. The citation breakdown includes: 2 serious — A workplace hazard that could cause death or serious physical harm exists, and the employer knew or should have known about the condition. 1 other-than-serious — The violation has a direct relationship to job safety and health but is unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Enforcement Timeline: Citations were issued beginning July 7, 2025 with the latest abatement deadline set for August 6, 2025. Of the 3 total citations, 0 (0%) have been marked as abated in DOL records, which may indicate ongoing compliance gaps requiring further regulatory attention.

Penalty Assessment: The total proposed penalty of $9,831.00 falls within OSHA's standard enforcement range and may have been adjusted through informal settlement conference procedures, penalty reduction factors, or good faith credit for demonstrated safety and health management systems.