The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970 and covers most employers in the private sector and their workers. OSHA sets standards for workplace safety, and as many safety managers know, can levy steep fines for violations.

Here are the most expensive OSHA penalties this far in 2021:

A Waco, TX bath and shower manufacturer is facing proposed penalties totaling $558,821 for 19 violations of failing to use machine guards.
A Hugo, OK railcar service provider was cited for 11 serious violations and two willful violations, and has proposed $419,347 in penalties after two employees died from exposure to natural gas.
OSHA investigated an employee complaint at a Waterville, Maine auto body manufacturing plant and proposed $393,992 in fines for not addressing fall and noise hazards.
A Minnesota-based construction company settled with OSHA on a $380,000 penalty after exposing employees to excavation hazards. The company was also required to hire a safety manager and a third-party safety consultant.
In a second violation after first being cited in 2018, an Oak Grove, MO plumbing company is facing a second penalty of $299,590 for failing to implement proper trenching standards.
A national discount retailer was determined by OSHA to have exposed workers to hazards including fire and blocked exist. OSHA proposed $265,265 in penalties.
A Polson, MT sawmill was investigated after an employee lost a partial finger. For using unguarded saw blades and not following correct lock-out / tag-out procedures, the lumber processing facility facing $264,478 in proposed penalties.
After a maintenance mechanic at a Lakewood, NJ ice cream manufacturing plant lost two fingers repairing an ice cream wrapper machine, the company was has been assessed a $237,176 fine.
$234,054 in penalties are proposed for a Pewaukee, WI water technology company after a guardrail failed and an employee fell into a nearly thirty-foot deep water testing pit.
A Fargo, ND seed company settled on a $250,000 penalty and a mandate to improve safety training, after an employee’s leg was partially amputated related to injuries sustained in the operating bin of a grain auger.

Remember that OSHA can inspect your workplace at any time, so it pays to be ready. Boyer Safety Services offers a virtual audit to help safety managers and program supervisors stay in compliance.