OSHA’s Civil Penalties Increased in 2020 – What Companies Need to Be Aware of Moving Forward

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) increased its fines by approximately two percent on January 15, 2020 in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. The DOL evaluated all of the civil penalties it administered and calculated the annual inflation adjustments based on the consumer price index for all urban consumers. Ultimately, this evaluation resulted in an increase of approximately two percent to all but four of the penalties it administers. As an example, if a company is found to…
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More than Enforcement: Exploring OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program

Congress created OSHA to assure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. While many employers view OSHA solely as a governmental enforcement agency, and some have adopted the view that it always must be “us versus them,” OSHA does offer no-cost, penalty-free assistance to employers. OSHA’s On-Site Consultation program provides confidential consultation services that target small- to medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several United States territories.…
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