Effective Jan. 2, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) increased civil monetary penalties for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations. 

According to the OSHA website, the maximum penalty for other-than-serious, serious and failure to abate violations is now $12,934, and the maximum penalty for willful or repeat violations is $129,336. 

As part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, agencies were directed to adjust their civil monetary penalties annually to account for inflation no later than Jan. 15. 

Additionally, states with their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans are required to adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as the federal levels. 

Background information on the 2016 Rule to Adjust Penalties:

• Interim Final Rule
• Fact Sheet
• FAQs
• DOL Press Release