Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
OSHA Fines Will Soon Become Very Costly
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: July 26, 2016
Key Contacts
Back
Fines assessed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will increase significantly next month.
OSHA is one of several government agencies that must increase its civil monetary penalties pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act. Will these increased OHSA fines affect you?
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act
Under the statute, federal agencies must adjust penalties for inflation every year. However, the amount of the increase may not exceed 150% of the existing penalty amount. OSHA’s maximum penalties, which have not been raised since 1990, will increase by 78 percent. The top penalty for serious OSHA violations will rise from $7,000 to $12,471. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $70,000 to $124,709.
OSHA’s new civil penalty amounts apply only to civil penalties assessed after Aug. 1, 2016, whose associated violations occurred after Nov. 2, 2015. Going forward, OSHA will continue to adjust its penalties for inflation each year based on the Consumer Price Index.
Are there benefits of this increase in OSHA fines?
As highlighted by the Department of Labor, “These penalty increases will also deter violations, which will provide a significant benefit not only for workers but also for responsible employers who will have a more level playing field when competing with employers who are not following the law.”
According to OSHA, to address the impact of these penalty increases on smaller businesses, the agency will continue to provide penalty reductions based on the size of the employer and other factors. The agency also plans to provide guidance on the implementation of the new penalties by August 1, 2016.
In conclusion
Finally, it is important to highlight that states that run their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans must adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as those established by OSHA.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business, Labor & Employment
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
How to Reduce Legal Risk as Your New Jersey Business Grows in 2026
For many New Jersey businesses, growth is a primary objective for the New Year. However, it is important to recognize that growth involves both opportunity and risk. For example, business expansion often results in complex contracts, an increased workforce, new regulatory requirements, and heightened exposure to disputes. Without proactive planning, even routine growth can lead […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
Crypto Investor Protection: SEC and CFTC Enforcement Trends
Crypto investor protection continues to evolve, with the SEC and CFTC investing resources and coordinating more closely to uphold regulatory standards. Whether you’re a retail investor, an institutional trader, or part of a crypto startup, understanding enforcement trends is essential for navigating this dynamic and high-stakes regulatory environment. Crypto Is No Longer the Wild West […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey’s Next Manufacturing Tax Credit: Stability Secured, Timing Matters
A Settled Regulatory Environment Enables Confident Capital Planning New Jersey’s new manufacturing incentive program, Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program, enters 2026 with something uncommon in economic development these days: policy stability. The statute is enacted, New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (“NJEDA”) rules are adopted, and the application portal is open. With the election outcome settled, […]
Author: Michael J. Sheppeard
A Simple Guide to Industry Roll-Up Acquisitions
When done successfully, industry roll-up acquisitions can dramatically grow and strengthen your business. In this post, we break down what an industry roll-up is, why companies pursue it, and what makes it an effective (and sometimes risky) business strategy. What Is an Industry Roll-Up Acquisition? In an industry roll-up acquisition of companies, a buyer acquires multiple companies […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.