OSHA Penalty Calculator

2026 OSHA Maximum Penalty Amounts

OSHA adjusts penalty amounts annually for inflation. These are the current maximums effective January 2026:

How OSHA Calculates Penalties

OSHA uses a gravity-based penalty system. The base penalty depends on the severity of the hazard and the probability that an injury will occur. Adjustments are then applied:

• Size reduction: Up to 70% for employers with 1-25 employees
• Good faith reduction: Up to 25% for employers with documented safety programs
• History reduction: Up to 10% for employers with no prior violations in 5 years

How to Reduce OSHA Fines

• Informal conference: Request within 15 working days of citation. Many penalties are reduced 30-50% through negotiation.
• Quick fix credit: Correcting the hazard immediately can reduce penalties during informal conference.
• Documented safety program: Having a written safety program, regular training records, and inspection logs demonstrates good faith.
• Contest the citation: If the citation is incorrect, you have 15 working days to file a notice of contest with OSHRC.
• Payment plan: OSHA allows installment payments for smaller employers.

Per-Instance vs Per-Violation

OSHA can cite violations on a per-instance basis when the same hazard affects multiple employees or locations. For example, if 10 workers lack fall protection, OSHA could issue 10 separate serious violations at up to $16,131 each ($161,310 total) rather than a single violation. Per-instance citations are more common for willful and egregious violations.