Workplace safety should always be a top priority for organizations, but the recent increase in OSHA’s civil penalties has heightened the stakes. As of January 15, 2025, OSHA’s penalties for workplace violations have risen by 2.6% to account for inflation. While this annual adjustment is routine, it has significant implications for businesses, serving as a reminder to reassess and improve their safety protocols.

New OSHA Penalty Rates

OSHA’s penalty rates for 2025 are as follows:

• Serious or non-serious violations: Up to $16,550 per violation
• Willful or repeated violations: Up to $165,514 per violation
• Posting requirements: Up to $16,550 per violation
• Failure to abate: Up to $16,550 per day beyond the abatement date

For some businesses, the fines for non-compliance can quickly exceed the cost of implementing a comprehensive safety strategy, while for others, these fines may appear relatively minor. Regardless of where a business stands on this spectrum, it’s crucial to recognize that OSHA’s penalties are minimal compared to the potential financial turmoil a company could face after an incident. The ripple effects can be extensive and damaging, potentially jeopardizing the company’s ability to stay in business.

The General Duty Clause and Workplace Violence

Although we often associate OSHA violations with issues like fall protection, machine guarding and chemical exposure, companies can also face significant penalties for incidents of workplace violence. While OSHA does not have a specific standard that directly addresses workplace violence, the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm. This clause has been broadly interpreted to include workplace violence, placing it within OSHA’s jurisdiction and emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety plans.

Incidents of Workplace Violence that Resulted in OSHA Citations and Civil Penalties

Below are a few examples of how OSHA has enforced the General Duty Clause in workplace violence cases:

• Healthcare Facility: Circles of Care Inc., a behavioral health organization in Florida, faced fines exceeding $100,000 due to multiple incidents of staff being assaulted by patients. OSHA determined that the organization failed to implement necessary safety measures, such as employing security personnel, installing physical barriers and providing staff training, which could have reduced the risk of harm to employees.
• Retail Store: In August, Circle K, one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the U.S., was fined more than $16,000 after an employee was shot during an armed robbery at one of their Florida locations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Circle K for failing to address the risk of armed robberies despite having experienced multiple incidents. Circle K is contesting both the citation and the penalty through the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
• Social Services Organization: Integra Health Management, Inc. was cited following a tragic incident in which an employee conducting a home visit was fatally assaulted by a client known for violent behavior. OSHA identified several significant factors that contributed to the unsafe working conditions, including the lack of pre-visit risk assessments, the absence of communication tools such as panic buttons and insufficient training. This case highlights the critical importance of establishing robust safety measures for employees working in high-risk environments.

Solutions to Protect Your Business

To avoid penalties and ensure a safe workplace, businesses should consider the following steps:

1. Review and Update Incident Management Plans: Regularly assess your organization’s incident management strategies to identify and address gaps.
2. Deploy Technology Solutions: Tools like 911Cellular’s wearable, keyboard and wall mounted panic buttons, mobile safety app and emergency notification system can drastically improve response times and provide peace of mind. Our NIST-tested, WiFi-compatible products are designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing safety infrastructure, offering a simple, full-service security solution.
3. Train Your Team: Regularly training your staff ensures they can respond effectively to incidents. Training sessions should cover recognizing warning signs, de-escalation techniques and emergency response procedures.

Key Takeaway

OSHA’s commitment to increasing penalties yearly aims to encourage employers to prioritize workplace safety. However, it is important to remember that proactive planning goes beyond just avoiding fines; it is essential for saving lives and preventing serious injuries during difficult or violent workplace incidents. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Review your safety plans today and take the necessary steps to protect your workplace.

Considering deploying panic buttons, mobile safety apps or emergency notification systems to protect your organization? Schedule a demo and one of our experts will help you find the solutions that make the most sense for your team.

Tags: Workplace violence Workplace safety