January 27, 2025 – Cal/OSHA Increases Civil Penalty: New adjustments align with inflation and federal OSHA regulations.
Key Changes in Penalty Amounts
Cal/OSHA Increases Civil Penalty: As of January 1, 2025, the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has raised penalties for specific violations. These increases ensure consistency with both California state law and federal OSHA standards.
Updated Maximum Penalty Amounts
For citations issued from January 1 onward, the revised penalties are:
- General and Regulatory Violations (including posting and recordkeeping): Maximum penalty set at $16,285.
- Willful and Repeat Violations: Maximum penalty increased to $162,851.
- Serious Violations: Maximum penalty remains unchanged at $25,000.
- Willful Violations: Minimum penalty raised to $11,632.
These changes reflect Cal/OSHA’s commitment to enforcing workplace safety and ensuring compliance with updated standards.
Why the Penalty Adjustments?
The penalty increases stem from a 2017 California legislative mandate, which required alignment with federal OSHA’s penalty structure. Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determines adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). For 2025, the inflation adjustment rate was approximately 2.6%, leading to these updated amounts.
What Employers Need to Know
Employers should review their compliance practices to avoid costly violations. Proper documentation, workplace safety protocols, and regular inspections can help mitigate potential penalties. For additional guidance, Cal/OSHA provides resources on workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Learn More
For a comprehensive breakdown of workplace safety regulations and updates, visit MedLegalNews.com, your trusted source for workers’ compensation and occupational health news.