OSHA Penalties to Increase By 2%

Employers can expect to pay more for workplace safety violations under new guidelines by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Under the new guidelines, penalties will be increased by 2%. While not a substantial increase, it's still something that employers should be aware of. So, why exactly did OSHA decide to increase the penalties for workplace safety violations?

The higher safety violation fines are attributed to inflation. As explained on OSHA's website, the new penalties -- which took effect January 2, 2018 -- have been adjusted for inflation. With inflation making the U.S. less valuable over time, it's important for OSHA to adjust its penalties accordingly; otherwise, the penalties wouldn't have the same effect in motivating employers to create a safe workplace.

After adjusting for inflation, serious and other-than-serious workplace safety violations carry a maximum fine of $12,934 per violation. Failure to abate penalties carry a maximum fine of $12,934 per day past the abatement date. And willful or repeated violations carry a maximum fine of $129,336 per penalty.

Previously, the maximum fine for serious and other-than-serious workplace safety violations was $12,675 per violation. Therefore, the new fines aren't much higher and shouldn't have a substantial impact on employers and their ability to pay.

"The U.S. Department of Labor (Department) is publishing this final rule to adjust for inflation the civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced in its regulations, pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Inflation Adjustment Act)," wrote the the DOL in a Federal Register notice.

Employers should use this opportunity to reevaluate their workplace and address potential safety hazards. With the new penalty guidelines in effect, employers will incur additional costs for safety violated cited by OSHA.

If you're an employer, you should consider the following tips to create a safer workplace and protect your business from related fines and penalties:

• Maintain all machines and equipment. Regardless of your business's industry, you can promote a safer workplace by properly maintaining all machines, equipment and related tools.
• Eliminate slip-and-fall hazards. Slips, trips and falls consistently ranks as one of the most common causes of work-related injury. Thankfully, it's also something that employers can avoid by eliminating risks like spilled liquids, power cables and floor obstructions.
• Hold toolbox safety talks with employees while discussing potential hazards and how to overcome them.
• Reduce indoor air pollution by using fans, cleaning floors and changing air filtration systems.
• Report all work-related injuries and illnesses. By reporting safety incidents, you'll encourage a safer workplace.