We previously reported on the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) significant hike in OSHA penalties after a 26 year increase hiatus. The penalty increase, which was instituted according to Section 701 of the 2015 budget, also called for annual adjustments to the penalties based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. The DOL is required to adjust maximum OSHA penalties for inflation annually by the 15th of January. Accordingly, the maximum OSHA civil penalties for 2018 have been adjusted as follows, effective January 13, 2018:
| Violation Type | 2017 Penalties | 2018 Penalties |
| Other than Serious | $12,675 | $12,934 |
| Serious | $12,675 | $12,934 |
| Repeat | $126,749 | $129,336 |
| Willful | $126,749 | $129,336 |
| Failure to Abate (per day) | $12,675 | $12,934 |
