Labor Department Enforcement Fines Set to Increase Jan. 15 (1)

Employers will face higher labor enforcement fines starting Jan. 15, with maximum levels increasing by about 3.24%, the US Department of Labor announced Wednesday.

The increases keep fines in line with inflation, and are based on the Consumer Price Index’s growth in fiscal year 2023, the Federal Register notice said. The 2024 boost is less than half of the increase for 2023 when the inflation rate led to a 7.75% gain.

At the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, for example, the maximum fine for willful and repeat violations will increase from $156,259 to $161,323. The highest penalty for ...