On January 16, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased its civil penalties based on cost of living adjustments.
Below are the maximum penalty amounts, with the annual adjustment for inflation, that may be assessed after Jan. 15, 2022. (See OSHA Memo, Jan 13, 2022).
| Type of Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Serious Other-Than-Serious Posting Requirements |
$14,502 per violation |
| Failure to Abate | $14,502 per day beyond the abatement date |
| Willful or Repeated | $145,027 per violation |
State Plan States
States that operate their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans are required to adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA’s.
Penalty Payment
OSHA’s Debt Management Program provides information and guidance to employers on debt collection activity. OSHA collects penalty payments for citations issued for employer violations of OSHA regulations. Learn more about citations, penalties, and steps to take if you have a debt with OSHA.
For More Assistance
OSHA offers a variety of options for employers looking for compliance assistance.
The On-Site Consultation Program provides professional, individualized assistance to small businesses at no cost.
OSHA also has compliance assistance specialists in most of their 85 Area Offices to provide outreach and education programs for employers and workers.
For more information, contact the Regional or Area Office nearest you.