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January 22, 2024
Effective January 16, 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased the maximum civil penalties for violations of federal occupational safety and health standards to account for cost-of-living adjustments for 2024.
Specifically, OSHA’s maximum penalty for violations increased from $15,625 per violation to $16,131 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations increased from $156,259 per violation to $161,323 per violation. For more information regarding penalty increases for other violations, visit the OSHA Penalties page and read the final rule.
OSHA civil penalties will continue to increase on an annual basis pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act. The increases will go into effect no later than January 15 each year. This year, January 15 fell on a Federal holiday, so the increases became effective on January 16, 2024.
Employers always should endeavor to comply with workplace safety obligations to avoid being cited. If you receive a citation, seek legal guidance to fully assess the risks of choosing to accept the penalties versus contesting them. We can help.
This article is designed to provide one perspective regarding recent legal developments, and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Always consult an attorney with specific legal issues.