Jeff Beck Comments on OSHA Penalties With SHRM

In an article titled “OSHA Penalties Can Run the Gamut from Nothing to Millions,” the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) spoke to labor and employment partner Jeff Beck about Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

Beck explained that a reduction could be given if there is no history of previous violations, and a maximum reduction of 25% is permitted for good-faith efforts. He also noted that penalties might be reduced for smaller employers.

Regarding criminal liability, Beck said, “Criminal sanctions under OSHA have been rare. The willfulness of the violation must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, so the citation alone is not sufficient.”

The full article is available for SHRM subscribers.