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OSHA Penalties Increasing in 2025: What Employers Need to Know

January 24, 2025
NCAA

Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor published its listing of annual increases for 2025. Included in this list are higher penalties for OSHA workplace safety violations for employers. While these increases are in line with inflation adjustments mandated by law, they reflect a broader shift toward stricter enforcement and accountability for unsafe work environments.

Understanding the Increased OSHA Penalties for 2025

On January 13, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented its annual inflation-based penalty adjustments. As a result, employers should expect substantial increases in the fines they could face for violations, especially for serious, willful, or repeat offenses.

New Penalty Limits for 2025

Violation

Penalties

Serious

Minimum: $1,221 (increased by $31)

Maximum $16,550 (increased by $419)

Other than Serious Violation or Posting Requirement Violation

Minimum: $0

Maximum: $16,550 (increased by $419)

Willful or Repeated Violations

Minimum: $11,823 (increased by $299)

Maximum: $165,514 (increased by $4,191)

Failure to Abate

Minimum: (N/A)

Maximum: $16,550 per day until abated (increased by $419)

Why the Increase?

The rise in penalties is a direct consequence of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which mandates that penalties be adjusted annually for inflation. The law ensures that penalties remain effective as a deterrent to workplace hazards, helping to close the gap between the fines and the current economic realities.

Increased penalties also reflect OSHA’s ongoing commitment to protecting workers from safety hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. These penalties are often the result of inspections triggered by employee complaints, accidents, or routine inspections. With workplace safety becoming an ever more prominent issue, the agency is focusing on increasing compliance across industries, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

What Employers Should Do in Response

The significant increase in penalties for 2025 means employers should proactively take steps to avoid citations and fines. Here are some practical measures employers should implement:

1. Review and Update Safety Protocols 

Employers should ensure that workplace safety protocols are up to date with the latest OSHA standards and regulations. This includes reviewing safety measures related to equipment, hazardous materials, employee training, and overall compliance with OSHA requirements.

  • Conduct routine audits of your safety practices.
  • Review any recent changes to OSHA standards that may apply to your industry.
  • Update hazard communication plans, personal protective equipment (PPE) policies, and emergency procedures.

2. Invest in Regular Employee Training

Training is one of the best ways to ensure that employees are aware of potential hazards and know how to prevent them. OSHA violations often stem from inadequate training programs.

  • Conduct regular training sessions on safety procedures, proper use of equipment, and hazard identification.
  • Ensure that supervisors are properly trained to enforce safety protocols and lead by example.
  • Offer refresher courses to keep employees updated on changes in regulations and best practices.
  • Keep records of any training sessions you conduct, including attendance logs and a copy of the agenda or program that was presented.

3. Perform Routine Safety Inspections

Employers should schedule regular inspections of their facilities to identify and correct potential safety hazards before OSHA does. This proactive approach can help mitigate the risks of violations and fines.

  • Use internal teams to conduct thorough inspections on a monthly or quarterly basis.
  • Implement a hazard reporting system that encourages employees to report safety concerns.
  • Document all inspections, corrections, and actions taken to demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety.

4. Engage with OSHA and Stay Informed

Staying up to date on changes in OSHA regulations is critical for maintaining compliance. Employers should keep an eye on updates from OSHA and other regulatory bodies that could affect their business.

  • Subscribe to OSHA newsletters and updates for industry-specific news.
  • Participate in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) or other programs that can demonstrate your commitment to safety.
  • Consider working with safety consultants or legal advisors to ensure your safety programs align with current regulations.

5. Establish a Safety Culture

Beyond the technical aspects of compliance, it’s crucial to cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes safety at all levels of the organization. Employees should feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

  • Encourage open communication between management and staff about safety matters.
  • Recognize and reward employees who contribute to a safer workplace.
  • Create an environment where safety is integrated into the company’s core values.

Conclusion

Taking a proactive approach to OSHA compliance not only helps businesses avoid hefty penalties but also demonstrates a commitment to the health and well-being of their workforce—a commitment that ultimately benefits the bottom line in the long run.

How We Can Help

The attorneys in KJK’s Labor & Employment practice group are available to assist you in navigating through this impending issue and any other labor or employment matter you may be facing. Contact us at 216.696.8700.