OSHA Penalties Keep Changing, But the OSH Act Remains the Same
Travis Vance
Were OSHA’s recent penalty increases valid?
Federal OSHA (OSHA) increased its maximum penalties last summer for the first time since 1990. The increase occurred pursuant to a new law requiring federal agencies to adjust penalties to account for inflation. However, the OSH Act, which specifically provides the maximum penalties OSHA can administer, was not amended. It still prevents OSHA from issuing penalties higher than the levels set in 1990.
