ARTICLE
For a second consecutive year, maximum fines for Department of Labor safety and health agencies increased to keep pace with inflation. The 1.02 percent increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate as of October 2017. The higher fines became effective Jan. 2. The new maximum OSHA penalties are: *repeat: $129,336, up from $126,749, *willful: $129,336, up from $126,749, *serious: $12,934, up from $12,675, and *other-than-serious: $12,934, up from $12,675. Most employers won't face having to pay OSHA fines close to the new maximums because fines are based on several factors such as the severity of the hazard posed to workers and the number of employees at the business. --BNA