2018 OSHA violation fines increase
On January 2, 2018, OSHA fines increased for the third consecutive time over the past three years. OSHA penalties went up by about two percent overall in order to compensate for inflation. Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations is critical for trade workers because construction is considered a high-hazard industry, which puts pro trade business owners at a greater risk for being fined. Get details about the new costs for violating OSHA requirements and see what you can do to keep your professional trade business penalty-free.
New OSHA fines for 2018
- $12,934 is the new maximum fine for violating safety hazards that are serious or other-than serious, or failing to meet posting requirements upon inspection of a work area by an OSHA agent.
- $12,934 is the new maximum fine for failing to fix, or abate, a violation found by an OSHA agent. This fine is accrued per day after the initial deadline a business is given to fix a violation.
- $129,336 is the new maximum fine that a business can be charged if they wilfully or repeatedly violate an OSHA regulation for which they had previously received a citation.
Maximum OSHA penalty increases since 2015
| Violation | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serious, other-than-serious, posting requirements | $7,000 | $12,471 | $12,675 | $12,934 |
| Failure to abate | $7,000 | $12,471 | $12,675 | $12,934 |
| Willful or repeated | $70,000 | $124,709 | $126,749 | $129,336 |
Find out what the most common workplace injuries are. Get tips to avoid the top 10 OSHA violations.
Resources for your business
While the OSHA penalties for 2018 are costly, they are avoidable. One step you can take to protect your business from OSHA fines is to take advantage of OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program. Designed for small and medium business, this free service is a way to proactively address and mitigate potential safety hazards. Request a consultation with OSHA and you’ll have a better chance of saving your business’s bottom line while improving working conditions for your crew.
Another free safety resource for trade professionals is Safety Matters. Get tips for trade professionals to help you protect yourself, your workplace and the environment. Visit the Ideas & Learning Center for more resources to help you grow your pro trade business.