2026 OSHA Penalty Reference
In 2026 the OSHA maximum is $16,550 per serious or other-than-serious violation, $16,550 per day for failure to abate, and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation (29 CFR 1903.15(d)); the amounts are unchanged from 2025.
The full document
| Violation type | 2026 maximum (29 CFR 1903.15(d)) |
|---|---|
| Serious | $16,550 |
| Other-Than-Serious | $16,550 |
| Willful | $165,514 |
| Repeat | $165,514 |
| Failure to Abate | $16,550 / day |
Why it matters
- HazCom (1910.1200) was OSHA's 2nd most-cited standard overall in FY2025, and 9th in federal construction citations.
- One missing SDS or one unlabeled container can be cited as its own violation, up to $16,550 if classified serious.
How OSHA reduces a proposed penalty
Up to 70%
Size
Smaller employers (by number of employees) get the largest cut.
Up to 25%
Good faith
An effective, written safety and health program.
Up to 20%
History
No serious violations in the past 5 years (or never inspected).
The factors themselves are written in 29 CFR 1903.15(b): the size of the business, the gravity of the violation, the employer's good faith, and its history of previous violations.
Questions about this document
Did OSHA penalties increase in 2026?
No. The 2026 maximums equal the 2025 amounts because no inflation adjustment was made for 2026; they are written in 29 CFR 1903.15(d).
Is the maximum what OSHA always proposes?
No. OSHA sets a gravity-based amount, then reduces it for the size of the business, the employer's good faith, and its history of violations, the factors of 29 CFR 1903.15(b).
How long do I have to contest an OSHA citation?
The notice of intent to contest must be postmarked within 15 working days of receiving the notice of proposed penalty (29 CFR 1903.17(a)).
Get the Binder in Order Before the Inspector Arrives. Are You Ready?
OSHA does not give advance notice of inspections (29 CFR 1903.6). Get the binder in order before the opening conference, not during it.
Serious Violation
$16,550
per violation (max)
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