OSHA Fines Spike on Penalty Overhaul

Average fines assessed by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for serious workplace safety violations rose significantly in 2016. The higher fines are the result of an overhaul of the penalty structure. 

OSHA and other federal agencies were directed to revisit their civil monetary penalties in 2015 and update them. It allowed OSHA to increase its fines by up to 78 percent as of Aug. 1, 2016. 

From Aug. 2 to Dec. 31, 2016, the average penalty for serious violations increased to $5,087 from $3,285 in the prior-year period, according to OSHA data. For employers with more than 250 employees, the average penalties for serious violations rose from $5,915 to $10,065. 

Source: Business Insurance