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Hi Visitor,
OSHA Penalties To Increase For The First Time In Over 25 Years!
By: Kevin Cleveland
Because the federal government was not already taking enough money from American companies, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will begin imposing higher penalties for violations starting August 1, 2016. The maximum penalties for repeated or willful violations could increase from $70,000 to over $125,000 and the penalties for serious violations will increase from $7,000 to over $12,500. Unbelievably, these penalties are only the best estimate currently available on the likely increase of penalties and the actual increase even more than indicated once they are implemented in August of 2016. Though OSHA has the discretion to not utilize the full increase, it is likely that OSHA will start assessing penalties at the new much higher rates.
And the news gets better… OSHA fines will continue to increase annually based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index. As a result, your company can expect that the cost of OSHA penalties will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.
COUNSEL TO MANAGEMENT:
Take some time over this summer to have a consultant or your own safety personnel review the applicable OSHA regulations which apply to your company and perform a compliance audit. Additionally, a full safety review may be a good idea to help identify practices and procedures which can be implemented to help make the workplace more safe for your both your employees and your pocketbook. If you need help reviewing your policies, procedures, and safety practices, The Saqui Law Group is here to help.
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