Come August 2, the maximum penalties for OSHA fines will go up in their first increase since 1990. The jump will not be small. To make up for 26 years of not adjusting for inflation, the agency will hike its fines by 78% this year. 
- For Serious, Other-Than-Serious, and Posting Requirements violations, the maximum penalty will go from $7,000 to $12,471 per violation.
- For Failure to Abate violations, the maximum penalty will go from $7,000 to $12,471 per day beyond the abatement date.
- For Willful or Repeated violations, the maximum penalty will go from $70,000 to $124,709 per violation.
1. The control of hazardous energy (Lockout/tagout)
Current penalties: $1,260,126 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $2,243,024 OSHA Standard 1910.147 covers maintenance and service work on machines and equipment that could unexpectedly energize or start up, harming the people working on them. To reduce these hazards, OSHA requires manufacturers to implement a full protection program including standardized lockout/tagout protocols, full employee protection, and training and communication about the hazards and safety procedures.2. General requirements for all machines (machinery and machine guarding)
Current penalties: $1,133,289 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $2,017,254 OSHA Standard 1910.212 covers requirements related to guarding. It also specifies that fixed machinery must be anchored to prevent walking or moving.3. Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
Current penalties: $776,247 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $1,381,720 OSHA Standard 1910.119 aims to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals that can lead to toxic environments, fires, or explosions. The standard is extensive, covering everything from how to inform employees about process safety to performing process hazard analyses, to standard operating procedures and hot work permitting.4. Hazard communication (toxic and hazardous substances)
Current penalties: $141,849 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $252,491 OSHA Standard 1910.1200 focuses on how information about hazardous chemicals is communicated to employees, including how chemicals are labeled and the distribution of safety data sheets. It was updated in 2012 to align with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3.5. Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
Current penalties: $371,297 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $660,909 OSHA Standard 1910.305 covers requirements related to permanent and temporary wiring installations, as well as components like raceways, frames, and fittings. This is the first standard on this list to deal with dust. It specifies that “no wiring systems of any type may be installed in ducts used to transport dust, loose stock, or flammable vapors.” To learn why dust is a special consideration, check out the parts of this blog dedicated to combustible dust and hazardous dust.6. Mechanical power-transmission apparatus
Current penalties: $308,764 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $549,600 OSHA Standard 1910.219 is related to the machine guarding standard in the #2 spot on this list. It establishes requirements for types and shapes of power-transmission belts, pulleys, gears, and more.7. Respiratory protection
Current penalties: $89,366 Maximum penalties for equivalent citations after August 1: $159,071 OSHA Standard 1910.134 describes procedural and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements in areas where the air may be contaminated with dusts, gases, sprays, and other potentially harmful substances. This PPE includes respirators, dust masks, and hoods. Employers must also develop a written respiratory protection program.
