Inflation and OSHA Penalties – 2018

As of January 2^nd, 2018, OSHA has adjusted and increased penalties to meet inflation.  In a notification issued by the Federal Register earlier this month (January 2, 2018), the U.S. Department of Labor increased civil penalties for a multitude of regulated areas (Immigration, Child Labor, Wage and Hour, MSHA and OSHA).

So, how does this affect penalty rates?  According to OSHA’s website, the new penalty amounts that have been adjusted for inflation as of January 2, 2018 are as follows:

Type of Violation:	Penalty:
Serious Other-Than-Serious Posting Requirements	1. $12,934 per violation
2. Failure to Abate	2. $12,934 per day beyond the abatement date
3. Willful or Repeated	3. $129,336 per violation

While OSHA’s penalty has been adjusted, individual states must also follow suit.  OSHA noted that states operating separate Occupational Safety and Health Plans are expected to align their maximum penalty levels to that which are at least as effective as Federal OSHA’s penalties.

While penalties and fines continue to rise, there is more that should motivate you and your team to be OSHA compliant.  Onsite safety is a must for an effective and safe crew and job site.  There is no need to worry about rising fines if you are keeping your crews educated and trained with the latest safety practices and standards.  The Benjamin Franklin axiom that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was then, and by being proactive with your safety training, you can do more than save money – proper safety and training saves lives.

To learn more about roofing safety training and programs, visit Brauner Safety Services.  To schedule your next safety training, contact Jim Brauner: 407-403-3959.