Top Shelf Safety

Do you know the 6 Types of OSHA Violations?

There are six listed types of OSHA violations, each carrying a different penalty.

1. Serious
When a business owner or manager knows a hazard can result in injury or death and does not resolve it, OSHA considers this a serious violation. Fines are based on the seriousness of the violation and can reach up to $16,550 for each.

It can be more cost-effective to have a workplace risk assessment consultant identify and resolve these safety hazards before OSHA applies a costly fine.

Gravity-based OSHA Penalties
Gravity-based penalties (GBP) are classified into three categories.

High-gravity (serious) violation penalties are $16,550.
Moderate-gravity (semi-serious) violation fines range from $9,218 to $13,828.
A low-gravity (less serious) violation fine is $6,913 for each incurred penalty.
2. Other-Than-Serious
A violation that does not result in injury or death but does compromise an employee’s safety and health is considered other-than-serious-threat by OSHA. The maximum penalty for this type of violation is the same as a serious one. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency can issue a citation or reduce the penalty amount by 95%.

Minimal-only Severity
OSHA classifies other-than-serious violations as safety or health issues that have a direct impact on workplace safety but are unlikely to cause death or serious injury. Penalties for these violations can range from $0 to $16,550 per violation, depending on factors like the company’s size, previous violations, and good faith efforts to comply. While some minor violations may result in only a warning with no fine, OSHA inspectors can still issue penalties if the circumstances warrant it. Staying proactive with safety measures is the best way to avoid fines and keep your workplace safe.

3. Willful or Repeated
When a violation is repeated within three years, companies will face stiffer penalties of up to $165,514. Willful violations are the most serious. The violation occurs when the employer knows there’s a risk to employees and does nothing to resolve it.

4. Posting Requirements
Any employer that receives a citation or violation notice from OSHA must post it near the incident area. The post must be visible to all employees until the violation is resolved or for three days, whichever comes first.

Learn more about OSHA recordkeeping guidelines.

5. Failure to Abate
The OSHA notice contains a date when the safety violation must be resolved. Companies that don’t meet this date are subject to the maximum penalty per day.

6. De Minimus Violation
An example of a De Minimus Violation is ladder safety. According to OSHA, a ladder having 13 inches between rungs instead of 12 inches isn’t technically compliant. A citation or notice isn’t always necessary; OSHA may give a verbal warning. A note is made in your company’s safety file, but there aren’t always penalties.

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4/7/2025
Machine Repairman
Age 63
Struck by
On April 7, 2025, a 63-year-old machine repairman was performing maintenance tasks near a conveyor line. During the task, a motorized arm pinned the victim to the conveyor causing fatal crushing injuries.
Dundee, MI.

3/9/2025
Roofer
Age 32
Fall (from elevation)
On March 2, 2025, a 32-year-old roofer was installing a roofing membrane when they fell off the roof approximately 20 feet to the ground. The victim was transported to the hospital, placed on life support, and died as a result of the injuries on March 9, 2025. Sterling Heights, MI.

2/12/2025
Senior Foreman Pipefitter
Age 34
Cave-in
On February 12, 2025, a 34-year-old senior foreman pipefitter was performing underground piping when the trench caved in burying the victim. The employee died as a result of the injuries at the worksite.
Carsonville, MI.

2/10/2025
Roofer
Age 29
Fall (from elevation)
On February 10, 2025, a 29-year-old roofer was working on a residential roof. The roof of this home was covered with plywood and tarps. The victim went on the roof to remove the tarp. While the victim was cutting the tarp, the victim fell approximately 20 feet onto their head. The victim was found on the ground wearing a harness. The victim was pronounced deceased at the worksite. Traverse City, MI.

1/16/2025
Laborer
Age 42
Struck by On January 16, 2025
A 42-year-old laborer was pulling a trailer with a side-by-side Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) when the trailer came off the hitch. The trailer’s tongue went underneath the truck causing it to collide with a stationary metal pole. The pole penetrated the cab of the truck fatally injuring the victim.
Ravenna, MI.

1/3/2025
Cement Finisher \
Age 43
Inhalation
On January 3, 2025, two cement finishers were grinding and polishing a concrete floor in a customer's pole barn. When the employer had not heard from them by 8:30 p.m., he contacted the homeowner, who found both employees unconscious. One was hospitalized in critical condition. The 43-year-old victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The employees had used propane-powered equipment in the enclosed barn without ventilation.
Almont, Michigan.