OSHA Penalty Calculator (2026)
Estimate your potential OSHA fine using the same gravity-based formula and adjustment factors OSHA uses. Enter your violation details below to see the breakdown.
Violation Details
Adjustment Factors
Configure your scenario
Select violation details and adjustment factors on the left, then click calculate to see your estimated penalty.
How OSHA Calculates Penalties
OSHA penalties are determined using a gravity-based system established under 29 USC 666 and detailed in the OSHA Field Operations Manual (FOM), Chapter 6. The calculation considers two primary factors: the severity of the potential injury and the probability of that injury occurring.
Violation Types
- Serious:Up to $16,550 per violation. Issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious harm could result.
- Willful:$11,524 to $165,514 per violation. Issued when the employer knowingly committed or showed plain indifference to the violation.
- Repeat:Up to $165,514 per violation. Issued when substantially similar violations were previously cited within the past 5 years.
- Other-than-Serious:Up to $16,550 per violation. Direct relationship to safety but unlikely to cause death or serious harm.
- Failure to Abate:Up to $16,550 per day beyond the abatement date for each violation not corrected.
Penalty Adjustment Factors
OSHA applies three adjustment factors that can significantly reduce the base penalty:
- Size:1-25 employees (60% reduction), 26-100 (40%), 101-250 (20%), 251+ (no reduction)
- Good Faith:Up to 25% reduction for employers with a documented, effective safety and health program
- History:Up to 10% reduction for employers with no serious, willful, or repeat violations in the past 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an OSHA fine in 2026?
In 2026, OSHA fines are up to $16,550 per serious violation, up to $165,514 per willful or repeat violation, and up to $16,550 per day for failure to abate. These maximum amounts are adjusted annually for inflation.
How does OSHA calculate penalties?
OSHA calculates penalties using a gravity-based system considering the severity of potential injury (high, medium, low, minimal) and probability of occurrence. The base penalty is then adjusted for company size (up to 60% reduction for small businesses), good faith (25% for having a documented safety program), and history (10% for no prior violations in 5 years).
Can OSHA fines be reduced?
Yes. OSHA penalties can be reduced through three official adjustment factors: company size (1-25 employees get up to 60% off), good faith (25% off for documented safety programs), and clean history (10% off for no violations in 5 years). Additionally, contractors can negotiate further reductions during the informal conference process by presenting organized compliance documentation.
What is the minimum OSHA fine for a willful violation?
The minimum penalty for a willful OSHA violation is $11,524 and the maximum is $165,514 per violation. Unlike serious violations, willful penalties have a mandatory minimum that cannot be reduced below this floor.
How long do I have to respond to an OSHA citation?
You have 15 business days from receiving an OSHA citation to file a Notice of Contest. If you do not contest within this window, the citation and penalties become final and non-reviewable. You can also request an informal conference with the OSHA Area Director during this 15-day period to negotiate penalties.