OSHA Increases Fines for 2020

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has raised its fines for 2020. The new maximum civil penalty is $13,494. That’s a $234 increase from 2019, and $8,188 more than it was in 2018.

The maximum daily fine is now also $13,494. That means that if OSHA finds a safety issue at your organization and you don’t address it by their deadline, you could be fined for as much as $13,494 per day. In addition, OSHA’s penalty for willful or repeat violations has increased to $134,937.

Why do the fines changes? Inflation.

The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires federal agencies to adjust their maximum fees for violations to stay commensurate with the cost of living.

Don’t be caught off guard.

Your business is subject to many occupational, regulatory and compliance risk. Now is a good time to ensure your safety program and culture is up to par. Reach out to your Marsh & McLennan Agency safety professional for assistance.

These fines have not been adopted by all State Plan OSHA-regulated states. Please reach out to your local Marsh & McLennan Agency representative for more questions.