What a $1M OSHA Fine Looks Like — And How to Avoid One

Case Study: A Mid-Atlantic Construction Firm

In 2024, a construction firm operating in the Mid-Atlantic region was hit with over $1 million in OSHA penalties. The fines stemmed from repeated violations involving fall protection, scaffolding, and PPE non-compliance across multiple job sites.

What triggered such a massive fine?

• Repeat Offenses: The company had been inspected several times over the years, with consistent violations noted but not fully corrected.

• Willful Violations: OSHA found evidence that site management was aware of the hazards but failed to correct them—escalating the penalties significantly.

• Severe Violator Designation: As a result of the repeated failures, the firm was added to OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), subjecting them to increased inspections and scrutiny.

 4 Actionable Safety Takeaways

1. 1. Resolve Fall Protection Violations Immediately
      OSHA’s most frequently cited rule—29 CFR 1926.501(b) requires fall protection at elevations of six feet in construction. Failing to address fall hazards is a willful violation risk.

      • Action: Document all fall protection systems in place and retrain workers if systems were previously absent.

   2. Ensure Scaffolding is Compliant and Inspected
      Per 29 CFR 1926.451, scaffolds must be designed by qualified personnel and inspected daily.

      • Action: Conduct a competent person inspection daily before shift start, and document it.

   3. Mandate PPE and Enforce Head Protection
      The firm was cited under 29 CFR 1926.100 and 1926.102 for lack of hard hats and eye protection.

      • Action: Maintain a written PPE policy and require all workers to wear required equipment at all times—no exceptions.

   4. Monitor and Prevent Repeat Violations
      Repeated violations are defined under 29 CFR 1903.15(d)(1) and trigger higher penalties.

      • Action: Use a centralized system to track previous citations, assign follow-ups, and verify completion with proof-of-correction logs.

 Bottom Line

A $1 million fine doesn't come from a single mistake—it reflects a culture of complacency. The real cost goes beyond dollars: brand damage, project delays, lost contracts, and workforce distrust.

Prevention is your profit strategy.
Use proactive inspections, employee reporting tools, and leadership engagement to stop repeat violations before they become liabilities.

References:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2024, May). OSHA cites New Jersey contractor after finding repeated safety violations and proposes $1M+ in penalties. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region2/05062024

• OSHA. (2024). Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP). Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/svep

• Federal Register. (2024, January 15). Department of Labor Final Rule: Adjustments to Civil Penalties. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/15/adjustment-of-civil-monetary-penalties