The United States Department of Labor has adjusted penalties for its agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA's maximum penalties have increased by 78%.

Any new citations issued by OSHA after August 1, 2016, will be subject to the new penalties if the related violations occurred after November 2, 2015.

Type of Violation:                Serious
Other-Than-Serious
Posting Requirements

Old Maximum Penalty:       $7,000 per violation
New Maximum Penalty:      $12,471 per violation

Type of Violation:               Failure to Abate
Old Maximum Penalty:        $7,000 per day beyond the abatement date
New Maximum Penalty: $12,471 per day beyond the abatement date

Type of Violation:                Willful or Repeated          
Old Maximum Penalty:       $70,000 per violation
New Maximum Penalty:      $124,709 per violation

State Plan States:

States that operate their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans, such as California, are required to adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA's.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.