I've seen this sort of thing where the area was remodeled, and the receptacles were then covered by panelling, etc. Makes for some interesting trouble-shooting.
OSHA has jurisdiction wherever a business "affects interstate commerce;" I believe that that is defined as more than a quarter-million in annual business.
I once was not hired to paint an apartment because I proudly told the owner that I would remove cover plates; he felt that would take too much time. "Just roller over them."
Incidentally, I recently saw that Snap-on is selling a pair of "composite" (no metal} needle-nose pliers, that they claim are as strong as the steel ones. Nice if true; usefull in fixing this broken receptacle!
