PLUM CREEK DBA PLUM CREEK NORTHWEST PLYWOOD, INC.

According to U.S. Department of Labor enforcement records, PLUM CREEK DBA PLUM CREEK NORTHWEST PLYWOOD, INC. — a hardwood veneer and plywood manufacturing facility located at 500 12TH AVE. WEST, COLUMBIA FALLS, MT 59912 — was the subject of a formal OSHA inspection that resulted in 11 citation(s) and cumulative proposed penalties of $4,937.50. The inspection case was opened on 2001-06-05.

The volume of citations issued during this inspection suggests systematic compliance deficiencies rather than isolated incidents. Facilities with 10 or more citations typically face comprehensive abatement requirements and may be subject to follow-up inspections.

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 $4,937.50 is 41% below the national average of $8,414.32 for facilities in the Manufacturing sector (NAICS 321211). This sector encompasses 52,095 inspected facilities nationwide with aggregate penalties totaling $438.3M.

State Context: Within MT, this facility's penalty places it at the 92th percentile among 9,480 inspected facilities. The statewide average penalty is $2,110.71.

Citation Analysis: The inspection produced 11 citations spanning 7 distinct OSHA regulatory standards. The citation breakdown includes: 5 serious — A workplace hazard that could cause death or serious physical harm exists, and the employer knew or should have known about the condition. 6 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 April 11, 2001 with the latest abatement deadline set for August 25, 2001. Of the 11 total citations, 9 (82%) have been marked as abated in DOL records, indicating substantial compliance with corrective action requirements.

Penalty Assessment: The total proposed penalty of $4,937.50 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.