There is legislation pending in Congress to change the current maximum fine legally allowed to be charged by the agency- $7,000 for serious violations and $70,000 for willful violations- to $12,000 and $250,000, respectively. OSHA is in favor of this legislation stating that penalties must be large enough to discourage large employers from cutting corners and safety programs that trigger mandatory inspections.

In addition to increasing fines, the agency’s intent is to reduce penalties for small businesses that act in good faith and increase inspections at work premises that have repeated safety violations on record. The Legislator is also in the process of earmarking more funds for the agency’s prevention program (safety education/training courses and compliance assistance programs), noting that preventative and educational programs work just as well as fines. An example can be seen in the National Association of Manufacturers labor statistics which report that incident rates workplace injuries have improved 54% and fatalities have fallen 38% since 1994 (the year OSHA programs that helped companies comply with the law were put in place).

Larger penalties for repeat offender companies and an increase in compliance education will hopefully deter future safety violations. More triggers in place that initiate safety inspections will also hopefully deter big companies from taking their chances. This is all very good news for worker safety. Construction sites premises will become safer places to work and visit.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have been injured while working or visiting a construction, please contact an experienced Wisconsin Premises Liability Attorney or Wisconsin Dangerous Property Attorney.