Top Shelf Safety

Do you know the 6 Types of OSHA Violations?

There are six listed types of OSHA violations, each carrying a different penalty.

1. Serious
When a business owner or manager knows a hazard can result in injury or death and does not resolve it, OSHA considers this a serious violation. Fines are based on the seriousness of the violation and can reach up to $16,550 for each.

It can be more cost-effective to have a workplace risk assessment consultant identify and resolve these safety hazards before OSHA applies a costly fine.

Gravity-based OSHA Penalties
Gravity-based penalties (GBP) are classified into three categories.

High-gravity (serious) violation penalties are $16,550.
Moderate-gravity (semi-serious) violation fines range from $9,218 to $13,828.
A low-gravity (less serious) violation fine is $6,913 for each incurred penalty.
2. Other-Than-Serious
A violation that does not result in injury or death but does compromise an employee’s safety and health is considered other-than-serious-threat by OSHA. The maximum penalty for this type of violation is the same as a serious one. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency can issue a citation or reduce the penalty amount by 95%.

Minimal-only Severity
OSHA classifies other-than-serious violations as safety or health issues that have a direct impact on workplace safety but are unlikely to cause death or serious injury. Penalties for these violations can range from $0 to $16,550 per violation, depending on factors like the company’s size, previous violations, and good faith efforts to comply. While some minor violations may result in only a warning with no fine, OSHA inspectors can still issue penalties if the circumstances warrant it. Staying proactive with safety measures is the best way to avoid fines and keep your workplace safe.

3. Willful or Repeated
When a violation is repeated within three years, companies will face stiffer penalties of up to $165,514. Willful violations are the most serious. The violation occurs when the employer knows there’s a risk to employees and does nothing to resolve it.

4. Posting Requirements
Any employer that receives a citation or violation notice from OSHA must post it near the incident area. The post must be visible to all employees until the violation is resolved or for three days, whichever comes first.

Learn more about OSHA recordkeeping guidelines.

5. Failure to Abate
The OSHA notice contains a date when the safety violation must be resolved. Companies that don’t meet this date are subject to the maximum penalty per day.

6. De Minimus Violation
An example of a De Minimus Violation is ladder safety. According to OSHA, a ladder having 13 inches between rungs instead of 12 inches isn’t technically compliant. A citation or notice isn’t always necessary; OSHA may give a verbal warning. A note is made in your company’s safety file, but there aren’t always penalties.

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