The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding workers in the United States. One of the agency's most visible enforcement tools is the issuance of monetary fines to employers who violate workplace safety regulations. These fines highlight the consequences of negligence and underscore the importance of compliance with OSHA standards.
In 2024, OSHA continued its efforts to prioritize worker safety, targeting industries with high-risk activities like construction, manufacturing, and confined space operations. This article dives into the top 10 fines issued in fiscal year 2024, examining the incidents, violations, and lessons that employers can learn to avoid similar penalties.
2. Overview of OSHA Fines
OSHA fines are financial penalties imposed on employers who fail to meet federal safety and health standards. These fines are calculated based on the severity of the violation, the size of the business, the employer's history of violations, and whether the violation was classified as willful, serious, repeat, or other-than-serious.
OSHA inspections are typically triggered by one or more of the following:
Fatalities or injuries in the workplace.
Employee complaints or whistleblower reports.
Planned inspections in industries or areas with a high risk of hazards.
Referrals from other government agencies or reports of unsafe conditions.
For severe and repeated violations, companies may be placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), which subjects them to increased scrutiny and follow-up inspections. The fines discussed here represent the most significant penalties of the fiscal year and serve as a reminder of the consequences of non-compliance.
3. Ranking Criteria
This list ranks the top 10 OSHA fines issued in fiscal year 2024, based on the highest monetary penalties stemming from a single incident or related series of incidents. The fines highlight violations that resulted in severe consequences, including worker fatalities, injuries, and widespread exposure to hazardous conditions.
It’s important to note that these amounts represent the initial penalties proposed by OSHA. Employers often negotiate reductions as part of settlement agreements or during litigation. However, these fines still serve as a stark warning about the high costs of failing to provide safe working environments.
4. The List: Top 10 OSHA Fines - 2024
OSHA’s top fines in 2024 highlight the stark consequences of neglecting workplace safety. Here’s a countdown from #10 to #1:
#10: Jindal Tubular USA LLC - $536,262
Location: Bay Saint Louis, MS
Industry: Iron and steel pipe and tube manufacturing
Inspection Trigger: Fatality
Summary: A worker was killed, and another sustained severe leg injuries when a pipe stack collapsed. The incident exposed issues in stack-building practices and chock block use. OSHA cited the company for 13 serious and three repeat violations, marking its 32nd major violation since 2019.
#9: Legacy Cooperative - $536,965
Location: Hemingford, NE
Industry: Grain cooperative
Inspection Trigger: Complaint
Summary: Legacy Cooperative failed to control combustible grain dust, which posed fire and explosion risks. Citations included failure to inspect equipment, unguarded stairway holes, and inadequate dust management. OSHA noted these violations as inexcusable for an industry with well-known risks.
#8: CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC - $551,719
Location: Robbinsville, NJ
Industry: Frozen food manufacturing
Inspection Trigger: Referral
Summary: An employee amputation highlighted failures in lockout/tagout procedures. OSHA issued multiple citations, including three willful violations, and placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
#7: Qualawash Holdings LLC - $810,703
Location: La Porte, TX
Industry: Tank cleaning contractor
Inspection Trigger: Fatality
Summary: A worker cleaning a tank died of potential carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation. OSHA cited repeat violations, including failure to test tank atmospheres and provide confined-space attendants. Similar violations were issued after two workers died at the company in 2020.
#6: Adrian Construction Group LLC - $1,017,248
Location: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Industry: Framing contractor
Inspection Trigger: Planned inspection under a local emphasis program
Summary: Workers faced fall hazards, lacked hard hats for overhead dangers, and were exposed to unsafe scaffolding. OSHA cited six willful violations and placed the company in its SVEP for repeated noncompliance.
#5: Florenza Marble & Granite Corp. - $1,019,096
Location: Chicago, IL
Industry: Stone manufacturing
Inspection Trigger: Referral
Summary: OSHA found workers exposed to dangerous silica dust levels, leading to lung diseases like silicosis. Violations included improper respirator use and lack of medical surveillance. Two workers required lung transplants due to long-term exposure.
#4: Giant Construction Corp. - $1,038,918
Location: Barrigada, Guam
Industry: Water and sewer line construction
Inspection Trigger: Planned inspection
Summary: Workers were not provided trench safety equipment, despite working in trenches deeper than 5 feet. OSHA cited nine willful violations, emphasizing the company’s repeat offenses, with similar violations cited six times since 2014.
#3: Florence Hardwoods LLC - $1.3 Million
Location: Florence, WI
Industry: Sawmill
Inspection Trigger: Fatality
Summary: A 16-year-old untrained worker was fatally injured after being trapped in a stick conveyor machine. OSHA issued 16 serious violations, eight willful violations, and four repeat violations, condemning the company for recklessly endangering minors.
#2: Wagner Construction Inc. - $1.9 Million
Location: Minot, ND
Industry: Water and sewer line construction
Inspection Trigger: Planned inspection
Summary: Workers were exposed to numerous trenching hazards. OSHA issued 16 repeat violations and one serious violation. Wagner was criticized for failing to address construction's deadliest hazards, despite prior commitments to improve.
#1: MDLG Inc. (Phenix Lumber Co.) - $2.5 Million
Location: Phenix City, AL
Industry: Sawmill
Inspection Trigger: Fatality
Summary: A 67-year-old supervisor died after stepping on an active auger to unclog a woodchipper. Phenix Lumber was cited for 15 willful, five serious, and one repeat violation. OSHA condemned the employer’s willful disregard for safety, stating that the incident could have been prevented if the company had adhered to federal safety standards.
5. Lessons from the Top OSHA Fines of 2024
The significant fines issued by OSHA in 2024 emphasize key lessons for employers across industries. These lessons highlight the importance of proactive safety measures, training, and compliance with federal standards. Below are the critical takeaways from this year’s top penalties:
Risk Assessments Save Lives Several of the highest fines were linked to avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by a failure to identify and address workplace hazards. Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments regularly, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and confined space operations. Identifying potential dangers and implementing mitigation strategies can prevent serious incidents.
Worker Training Is Non-Negotiable Many cases involved untrained or undertrained workers operating in hazardous conditions. OSHA mandates that all employees be adequately trained on safety protocols relevant to their roles. Employers must prioritize comprehensive training programs, particularly for young or inexperienced workers, to reduce risks.
The Cost of Non-Compliance OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) targets employers with repeat or willful violations. Once a company is placed in this program, it faces increased scrutiny, including follow-up inspections and higher fines. Employers must address violations promptly and invest in safety improvements to avoid becoming repeat offenders.
The Consequences of Cutting Corners From failing to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to neglecting critical safety protocols, many companies faced fines for prioritizing speed or cost savings over safety. Such shortcuts often result in higher costs down the line, including fines, legal fees, and damage to reputation.
By reflecting on these lessons, businesses can not only avoid penalties but also build safer workplaces that foster trust, productivity, and well-being.
6. Spotlight on High-Risk Industries
The industries most frequently cited for OSHA violations—construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing—highlight the unique challenges each sector faces:
Construction: Falls, trench collapses, and improper use of safety equipment dominated OSHA’s top citations. Construction companies must invest in fall protection systems and employee training.
Manufacturing: Machine guarding and lockout/tagout failures were common violations, leading to severe injuries like amputations. Automation and robust safety checks can minimize these risks.
Chemical Processing: Exposure to hazardous substances like silica dust or improper confined space entry continues to endanger workers. Monitoring systems and strict protocols for handling hazardous materials are essential.
7. The Role of OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP)
OSHA’s SVEP plays a significant role in targeting repeat offenders and companies with egregious violations. Key aspects of the program include:
Enhanced Oversight: Companies placed in the SVEP face follow-up inspections and mandatory improvements.
Deterrence: The program is designed to deter other employers by making an example of severe violators.
Accountability: Businesses in the SVEP often face public scrutiny, which can harm their reputation and client relationships.
Employers should view compliance as a long-term strategy, recognizing that even minor violations can escalate to SVEP inclusion.
8. How Businesses Can Avoid OSHA Penalties
To avoid costly fines, businesses should implement the following strategies:
Perform Regular Risk Assessments: Identify hazards in the workplace and take corrective actions to mitigate them.
Invest in Employee Training: Ensure all workers understand safety protocols and are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and others.
Adopt a Safety-First Culture: Leadership must set the tone for prioritizing safety at every level of the organization.
Leverage Technology: Utilize tools like safety management software to monitor compliance and identify risks in real time.
Respond Promptly to Violations: If OSHA issues a citation, act quickly to rectify the issue and prevent recurrence.
9. The Broader Impact of OSHA Penalties
OSHA fines serve as more than a financial penalty—they’re a wake-up call for employers and a warning to others. Their impact includes:
Improved Safety Standards: Publicized fines often lead to industry-wide reforms, as businesses strive to avoid similar outcomes.
Increased Awareness: Workers become more aware of their rights to a safe workplace, leading to greater accountability.
Economic Ramifications: Companies that fail to comply risk losing clients, investors, and employee trust, in addition to paying hefty fines.
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