OSHA Penalties Increase in 2020

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

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On January 15, 2020 the Federal Register published the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2020. This final rule increases civil penalties the Department of Labor assesses including those issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) based on workplace inspections and potential violations of safety and health standards. The rule is effective January 15, 2020. Beginning January 16, 2020 OSHA civil penalties will increase.

The new 2020 maximum OSHA penalties are as follows:

  • Serious violation: $13,494 (increased from $13,260)

  • Other-than-Serious violation: $13,494 (increased from $13,260)

  • Repeat violation: $134,937 (increased from $132,589)

  • Willful violation: $134,937 (increased from $132,589)

  • Each failure to correct the violation: $13,494 (increased from $13,260)

  • Each posting requirement violation: $13,494 (increased from $13,260)

For more information about the OSHA Penalties, visit https://www.osha.gov/penalties.