Penalties for Workplace Safety Violations Increasing 78% in 2017

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services on Wednesday said it will increase penalties for safety violations by 78% next year to comply with a federal requirement to index the fines for inflation. Congress in November 2015 passed legislation requiring all federal agencies to adjust civil penalties based on inflation. The measure included a one-time “catch-up” provision to account for the fact that federal OSHA has not increased its penalties since 1990.  The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Aug. 1 increased its maximum penalties by 78%.  Wyoming...