Since 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has increased OSHA penalties annually based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index, after a 26 year increase hiatus. The DOL is required to adjust maximum OSHA penalties for inflation annually by the 15th of January. Accordingly, the maximum OSHA civil penalties for 2021 have been adjusted as follows, effective January 15, 2021:
Violation Type
2021 Penalties
2020 Penalties
Other than Serious/Posting Requirements
$13,653
$13,494
Serious
$13,653
$13,494
Repeat
$136,532
$134,937
Willful
$136,532
$134,937
Failure to Abate
$13,653/day
$13,494/day