OSHA Reference
OSHA Fines & Penalties in 2026
OSHA violations cost $1,036 to $165,514 per violation, and they compound fast. Know the current rates, top healthcare citations, and how to stay inspection-ready.
2026 OSHA Penalty Amounts
Penalties are adjusted annually for inflation under the Inflation Adjustment Act. These are current 2026 rates.
Other-Than-Serious
Up to $16,550A violation that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
Example: Missing workplace safety poster, incomplete OSHA 300 log.
Serious
Up to $16,550A violation where there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.
Example: No bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan, missing eyewash station.
Willful
$11,524–$165,514A violation the employer intentionally and knowingly commits, or commits with plain indifference to the law. Minimum penalty of $11,524.
Example: Knowingly exposing workers to hazardous chemicals without PPE after being warned.
Repeat
Up to $165,514A violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order where a substantially similar violation was found within the previous 5 years.
Example: Cited for lacking a HazCom program, same citation issued 3 years earlier.
Failure to Abate
Up to $16,550 per dayFailure to correct a prior violation by the date set in the citation. Each day beyond the abatement date is a separate penalty.
Example: Cited for missing SDS sheets on Jan 1, still missing on Feb inspection, 30+ days of penalties.
Top 8 OSHA Citations for Healthcare
These are the violations OSHA inspectors find most often in medical offices, dental practices, and clinics.
Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030)
Missing or outdated exposure control plan, lack of annual training, improper sharps disposal
Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Missing Safety Data Sheets, no written HazCom program, inadequate labeling
Recording and Reporting (29 CFR 1904)
Incomplete OSHA 300/300A logs, failure to report hospitalizations within 24 hours
Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.132)
No PPE hazard assessment, employees not trained on proper PPE use
Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
No written program, missing fit testing, no medical evaluations
General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1))
Known hazards not addressed by specific standards, workplace violence, ergonomic risks
Electrical (29 CFR 1910.303–308)
Blocked electrical panels, improper use of extension cords, missing cover plates
Exit Routes (29 CFR 1910.36–37)
Blocked exits, missing emergency lighting, unmarked exit paths
California Employers: Cal/OSHA Adds More
Cal/OSHA penalties are separate from federal OSHA. California also requires an IIPP (Injury & Illness Prevention Program), enforces the ATD standard for healthcare, and has unique laboratory and respiratory protection requirements. Non-compliance means double exposure.
See how OSHA|360 covers both federal and Cal/OSHAStay Inspection-Ready with OSHA|360
OSHA|360 is included in the COMPLIANCE|360 bundle at $360/month. Here’s what it covers:
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum OSHA fine in 2026 is $165,514 per willful or repeat violation. Serious and other-than-serious violations can cost up to $16,550 each. Failure to abate carries up to $16,550 per day beyond the abatement deadline. Cal/OSHA may assess additional state-level penalties in California.
OSHA inspections are triggered by: (1) Imminent danger situations, (2) Fatalities or hospitalizations (must be reported within 8/24 hours), (3) Employee complaints or referrals, (4) Programmed inspections (targeted industry sweeps), and (5) Follow-up inspections on previous citations. You cannot refuse an OSHA inspection, but you can request a warrant.
Cal/OSHA (California's OSHA program) can issue fines up to $25,000 for serious violations and up to $70,000 for repeat violations, separate from federal penalties. California also has unique standards including the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) standard for healthcare, the IIPP requirement, and specific regulations for healthcare worker safety that don't exist at the federal level.
OSHA cannot directly shut down a business, but it can seek a court order for imminent danger situations. More commonly, severe violations lead to steep fines, required abatement actions, and negative publicity that can effectively shut down a practice. Criminal prosecution is possible for willful violations causing employee death (up to 6 months imprisonment, or more under state law).
Key preparation steps: (1) Maintain current written programs (IIPP, BBP Exposure Control Plan, HazCom), (2) Keep OSHA 300/300A logs up to date, (3) Ensure all SDS sheets are accessible, (4) Document all training with dates and signatures, (5) Verify PPE is available and fit-tested, (6) Conduct regular mock inspections. BayArea Compliance's OSHA|360 program handles all of this and includes annual mock inspections.
This guide was reviewed by Lisa Puckett, CSP, OSHA 10/30-Hour Authorized Trainer · 2025 NRC Recycler of the Year · 20+ years in EH&S
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