1. Press Room
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NEWS RELEASE
Release Number: 2024-16
Date: February 22, 2024

Cal/OSHA Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2024

The increases adjust for inflation and ensure Cal/OSHA is consistent with California and federal law.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Some of the maximum penalties are going up by as much as $4,983 this year, a smaller increase than in the past.

OAKLAND—On January 1, 2024, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) increased penalties for certain violations.

This annual increase is required by a law enacted by the California Legislature in 2017 that authorizes increases in certain minimum and maximum civil penalties to make them consistent with federal OSHA’s civil penalties. The increase is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on the October Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) each year. This year’s adjustment for inflation rate was approximately 3.24%.

For citations issued on or after January 1, 2024, the maximum penalties for violations classified as Regulatory, General, Willful, or Repeat are as follows:

  • The maximum penalty for General and Regulatory violations, including Posting and Recordkeeping violations is $15,873.
  • The maximum penalty for Willful and Repeat violations is $158,727.
  • The minimum penalty for Willful violations is $11,337.

Maximum Penalty General and Regulatory Violations $15,873 Maximum Penalty Willful and Repeat violations $158,727 Maximum Penalty Minimum penalty for Willful Violations $11,337 Maximum Penalty for Violations classified as Serious remains at $25,000

The only maximum penalties that went unchanged are for violations classified as Serious, including Serious Tower-Crane and Serious Carcinogen-Use violations. Those penalties remain at $25,000.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 or their local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office or email InfoCons@dir.ca.gov. 

Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Workers who have questions about workplace hazards and protections can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours. 

Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161