The bipartisan budget, passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by President Obama on November 2, 2015, contains provisions that will raise OSHA penalties for the first time in 25 years. The changes in the budget go into effect in 2016, with the new penalties coming into effect by August 1, 2016. OSHA Chief Dr. David Michaels has long advocated for a substantial increase in penalties.
The actual increases are unknown at this time; however, it is likely that the increase may be up to 70%-80% over current penalty amounts.
Starting in August 2016, assuming an 80% catch up rate adjustment, the new maximum penalties would be as follows:
Other than Serious Violations |
$12,600 |
Serious Violations |
$12,600 |
Willful Violations |
$126,000 |
Repeat Violations |
$126,000 |
OSHA will be required to implement annual cost of living increases after the initial catch up adjustment, with the adjustment tied to the year over year percentage increase set by the annual Consumer Price Index.
To address employee safety and wellbeing while avoiding safety violations and potential fees, companies must be proactive in addressing work place safety. Contact Machine Guard & Cover Co. to learn more regarding physical guarding safety needs.