OSHA penalties rising nearly 80 percent Aug. 1

Businesses that are found in violation of federal occupational safety and health laws will pay more in penalties starting Aug. 1.

Under a law passed by Congress last year, penalties that were last adjusted in 1990 are going up nearly 80 percent to account for inflation. The maximum penalty a company must pay per violation is rising to $12,471 from $7,000. If a company fails to correct a violation, it will face a maximum penalty of $12,471 per day as well, also up from $7,000.

If a company is found to have willfully or repeatedly violated occupational safety and health laws, it can be face a maximum penalty of $124,709 per violation, up from $70,000.

The penalties will now be adjusted annually for inflation. Learn more at the website for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration: www.osha.gov