The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced an interim rule recently that raises existing maximum civil penalties by 78%.
The action was taken to comply with a federally mandated rate increase. As a result, OSHA will raise the maximum penalty for serious violations from $7,000 to $12,471 and will increase the fine for willful and repeated violations from $70,000 to $124,709.
OSHA capped its new penalty amounts at 150% of their current levels. The higher fines will go into effect Aug. 1 for infractions occurring after Nov. 2, 2015.
The requirement that OSHA raise the amount of its penalties is part of the 2016 federal budget bill that mandates the agency align penalty amounts with the Consumer Price Index. It is the first increase since 1990. OSHA will accept public comments for 45 days before issuing its final rule.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.