The U.S. Department of Labor has increased maximum fines by 2.5% for 2019 which includes penalties assessed by OSHA and MSHA.
According to the Federal Register entry on Jan. 23, 2019:
“This final rule is effective on Jan. 23, 2019. As provided by the Inflation Adjustment Act, the increased penalty levels apply to any penalties assessed after the effective date of this rule.”
In other words, even if OSHA inspected your facility months ago, if the fines are issued on Jan. 24, 2019 or after, the potential maximum will be based on the new, higher amounts.
Here’s a rundown of the changes (amounts are all maximums except where noted):
| Type of fine | Old amount | New amount |
| OSHA willful and repeat | $129,336 | $132,598 |
| OSHA serious and other-than-serious | $12,934 | $13,260 |
| OSHA posting requirement violation | $12,934 | $13,260 |
| OSHA failure to abate | $12,934 | $13,260 |
| OSHA willful minimum | $9,239 | $9,472 |
| MSHA regular assessment | $70,834 | $72,620 |
| MSHA flagrant violation | $259,725 | $266,275 |
