OSHA Penalties to Increase in 2016

Quick Facts:

• The Bipartisan Budget Act (Act) was signed into law on Nov. 2, 2015.
• The Act allows OSHA to increase the maximum penalties for safety and health violations.
• The increases will become effective by Aug. 1, 2016.
• The penalty amounts will continue to be adjusted for inflation each year.

On Nov. 2, 2015, President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (Act), which is a two-year budget deal. One provision in the Act will allow OSHA to increase the maximum penalty amounts it imposes on employers that violate occupational safety and health standards. These increases will become effective Aug. 1, 2016.

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